Central and peripheral sensitization in tension-type headache.

Abstract

Recent studies on tension-type headache indicate that the nociceptive input to the central nervous system may be increased as a result of activation or sensitization of peripheral sensory afferents. Moreover, pain perception studies and pharmacologic studies strongly suggest that the central nervous system is sensitized in patients with chronic tension-type headache. The barrage of nociceptive impulses from the periphery may be responsible for the sensitization of second- and third-order neurons in the central nervous system. In this way, sensitization may play a role in the initiation and maintenance of tension-type headache. Studies have demonstrated that treatment with drugs that counteract sensitization has an analgesic effect on tension-type headache. Targeting this mode of action seems to be a promising way of improving the treatment for this prevalent disorder.

• Authors: Lars Bendtsen
• Journal: Current pain and headache reports (Curr Pain Headache Rep) Vol. 7 Issue 6 Pg. 460-5 (Dec 2003) ISSN: 1531-3433 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14604505 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Central Nervous System (physiology)
• Humans
• Neural Pathways (physiology)
• Peripheral Nervous System (physiology)
• Tension-Type Headache (physiopathology)