Cardiovascular reflex responses in cluster headache patients: basal autonomic alterations
Boiardi, A.; Paggetta, C.; Milanesi, I.; Munari, L.; Frediani, F.; Bussone, G.
Functional Neurology 2(4): 569-574
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-5264 PMID: 3443383 Document Number: 299537
To investigate the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in Cluster Headache (CH) patients, we compared the cardiovascular reflex responses in a group of CH subjects and a group of controls. We considered five tests: 1) deep breathing test (DB); 2) lying to standing test; 3) heart rate response to Valsalva manoeuvre; 4) blood pressure response to standing; 5) blood pressure response to sustained handgrip. Our data confirm an autonomic dysfunction in CH, particularly regarding the parasympathetic system. Alternative interpretations of these results are discussed.