Signs of Central Sensitization in Tension-type Headache (CSTTH)

University Ghent

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Tension-Type Headache

Treatments: Other: Quantitative Sensory Testing

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06323720

ONZ-2023-0442

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this observational study is to assess the pain sensitivity in tension-type headache patients. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Are signs of central sensitization present in tension-type headache?

Participants will be asked to fill out baseline questionnaires and they will be assessed during 1 test moment (static and dynamic quantitative sensory testing).

Researchers will compare tension-type headache patients with healthy controls to see if signs of central sensitization are only present in the tension-type headache group.

Enrollment: 66 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of tension headache according to globally recognized criteria (ICHD-3) or verified by a physician
2. Diagnosis of tension headache confirmed by a questionnaire (Headache Screening Questionnaire)
3. Not pregnant or given birth in the past year since a change in hormone levels can affect pain experience
4. Adults between the ages of 18 and 65
5. Proficient in the Dutch language

Exclusion criteria

1. Other diagnosis of headache or a mixed form
2. Other existing condition involving central nervous system sensitivity
3. Other structural neurological syndromes
4. Any condition involving the brain in the past
5. Procedure on the head, neck, or shoulder in the past 3 years
6. Currently suffering from a psychiatric condition
7. Athletes competing at a competitive level
8. Not proficient in the Dutch language
9. Currently pregnant.

Trial design

66 participants in 3 patient groups

Episodic tension-type headache

Description:

Patients with 1 - 14 days of TTH/month.

Treatment:

Other: Quantitative Sensory Testing

Chronic tension-type headache

Description:

Patients with more than 14 days TTH/month

Treatment:

Other: Quantitative Sensory Testing

Healthy controls

Description:

Participants without tension-type headache

Treatment:

Other: Quantitative Sensory Testing