Chronic tension-type headache is associated with impaired motor learning

A.M. Vallence; A. Smith; A. Tabor; P.E. Rolan; M.C. Ridding

doi:10.1177/0333102413483932

Back

Chronic tension-type headache is associated with impaired motor learning

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Chronic tension-type headache is associated with impaired motor learning

A.M. Vallence, A. Smith, A. Tabor, P.E. Rolan and M.C. Ridding

Cephalalgia, Vol.33(12), pp.1048-1054

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102413483932

Files and links (2)

pdf

Chronic_tension_type_headache_is_associated_with_imapired_motor_learning_uncorrected_proof.pdfDownload View

Author’s Version Open Access

url

Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

Background Supraspinal activity-dependent neuroplasticity may be important in the transition from acute to chronic pain. We examined neuroplasticity in a cortical region not considered to be a primary component of the central pain matrix in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients. We hypothesised that neuroplasticity would be exaggerated in CTTH patients compared to healthy controls, which might explain (in part) the development of chronic pain in these individuals. Methods Neuroplasticity was examined following a ballistic motor training task in CTTH patients and control subjects (CS). Changes in peak acceleration (motor learning) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude evoked by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation were compared. Results CTTH patients showed significantly less motor learning on the training task than CS (mean acceleration increase 87% CTTH, 204% CS, p < .05), and CS but not CTTH patients showed a significant increased MEP amplitude following training (CS: F = 2.9, p < .05; CTTH: F = 1.6, p > .05). Conclusions These findings suggest a deficit in use-dependent neuroplasticity within networks responsible for task performance in CTTH patients which might reflect reciprocal influences between primary motor cortex and interconnected pain processing networks. These findings may help explain the positive effects of facilitatory non-invasive brain stimulation targeting motor areas on chronic pain and help elucidate the mechanisms mediating chronic pain.

Details

Title: Chronic tension-type headache is associated with impaired motor learning
Authors/Creators: A.M. Vallence (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
A. Smith (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
A. Tabor (Author/Creator) - University of South Australia
P.E. Rolan (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
M.C. Ridding (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
Publication Details: Cephalalgia, Vol.33(12), pp.1048-1054
Publisher: Sage
Identifiers: 991005546328007891
Copyright: International Headache Society 2013
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article
Note: Online April 18 2013

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites

Metrics

190 File views/ downloads

60 Record Views

18 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.82 Gait & Posture; 1.82.811 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Web Of Science research areas: Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences
ESI research areas: Neuroscience & Behavior