High-flow oxygen therapy in cluster headache patients has no significant effect on nociception specific blink reflex parameters: a pilot study

[摘要] BackgroundThe exact pathophysiology of cluster headache is unclear. We examined the influence of interneurons on the trigemino-facial reflex arch and the effect of oxygen, by using the nociception specific blink reflex parameters.FindingsThere is no significant effect of oxygen, immediately and over time, on the nociception specific blink reflex parameters in ten male patients during the active phase of cluster headache, outside attacks. Also, there is no significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic side. None of the subjects experienced a cluster headache attack during study participation. We therefore present the collected data as reference values of nociception specific trigeminal stimulation and the effect of oxygen on nociception specific blink reflex parameters.ConclusionThe nociception specific blink reflex seems not a suitable instrument for exploring the pathophysiology of cluster headache.

[发布日期] 2016-02-12

[关键词] Cluster headache;Nociception specific blink reflex;Oxygen therapy;Normal values