An understanding of the relationship between migraine and the vestibular system increases knowledge of the pathogenesis of both migraine and vertigo. In addition, studies have identified successful treatment, with standard migraine therapies, of vestibular symptoms in patients with both migraine and vertigo. The use of a standardized assessment tool to identify this unique population of patients will help future studies to test both the pathological model and effective treatment options.

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The frequency of common headache instigators or "triggers" and the use of specific behavioral responses to headache episodes were determined using the self-reports of patients with migraine, tension-type, and combined migraine and tension-type headache. Headache diagnostic groups were compared on the nature of headache triggers identified. The diagnostic groups were also compared on the frequency with which they engaged in a set of behavioral responses during headache episodes. No diagnostic group differences were found in triggering stimuli. Emotional, dietary, physical, environmental, and hormonal factors were all reported to be equally likely to precipitate a headache episode regardless of headache diagnosis. There were, however, differences in specific behavioral responses to headache episodes depending upon headache diagnosis. Discriminant analyses were performed to determine the best predictors of headache diagnoses. Migraine patients were significantly more likely to avoid noise, light, social activity, and physical activity compared with tension-type and combined headache patients. When average headache severity was taken into account, the diagnostic group differences in coping responses disappeared. It is concluded from the results of this study that headache severity has a greater impact on coping response than does specific headache diagnosis.

The results of this study confirm the findings of earlier pediatric migraine biofeedback treatment studies and also provide support for the specific effect of treatments including stress management and HWB. Future studies with larger sample sizes will aid in delineating the appropriateness of HCB as a control treatment.

Weight is associated with co-morbid disability, depression, and reduced quality of life for physical function in chronic pain patients. Calculation of the BMI should become a routine part of the screening evaluation for chronic pain patients, with additional screening for disability and psychologic distress in patients with elevated BMIs.

Chronic headache fluctuates in response to changes in hormonal levels. Headache generally improves with rising estrogen levels, and worsens with falling levels. Headache should, therefore, predictably improve with pregnancy and worsen postpartum. Several retrospective studies have confirmed this pattern. In this study, 49 pregnant women with chronic headache (18 with migraine, 16 with tension-type, and 15 with combined migraine and tension-type) were followed prospectively. Headache activity was recorded daily throughout pregnancy and for 3 months postpartum. Overall, there was a 30% improvement in headache between the second and third trimesters for the entire sample. This was not statistically significant. Headache improved significantly for 41% of the women, with a slightly greater tendency for headache to improve in women with migraine compared to those with tension-type or combined migraine and tension-type headaches. Headache activity was not influenced by history of menstrual migraine, history of headache change with prior pregnancies, parity, or breast-feeding. In general, women reporting headache at the end of their first trimester continued to report headache throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Objective. To validate the 2011 modification of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) preliminary criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (2011ModCr) and develop alternative criteria in a sample of patients with diverse pain disorders that are commonly seen in everyday practice by pain specialists, rheumatologists, and psychologists. Methods. Eight clinicians from geographically varied locations in the US evaluated patients with chronic pain and psychiatric disorders using a standard set of questions that included the 2011ModCr questions, the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR), a 28-area pain location inventory (PLI), and the Short Form 36. Alternative diagnostic criteria were developed from the same data set using logistic regression and receiver operating curve analysis. Results. Complete data on 321 patients were evaluated; there were 135 patients with fibromyalgia (according to the 1990 ACR criteria) and 186 patients with 16 other common chronic pain problems. Comparing the 2011ModCr with the 1990 ACR criteria provided a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 67%, and a correct classification of 74%. Alternative criteria were derived from the 10-item symptom score from the SIQR symptoms and the 28-area PLI. Maximal diagnostic accuracy was obtained with >17 pain sites (range 0 -28) and an SIQR symptom score of >21 (range 0 -50). These alternative criteria had a diagnostic sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 80%, and a correct classification of 80%. Conclusion. The 2011ModCr had robust operating characteristics. Alternative criteria based on symptom items from the SIQR and pain locations from the PLI had comparable operating characteristics, with somewhat better specificity and ease of use.