Objective:

To search for microstructural changes in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) to further evaluate its pathogenesis.

Approach:

• Participants: Nine female patients with CTTH and ten healthy controls matched by age and gender were included.
• Imaging Technique: All participants underwent MRI scans with a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence.
• Data Analysis: Calculated parameters included Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Axial Diffusivity (AD), Radial Diffusivity (RD), Neurite Density Index (NDI), Orientation Dispersion Index (ODI), and others.

Key Findings:

• Microstructuralchangeswerefoundinmultiplebrainareasincludingtherightcerebellum,tectum,rightoccipitalfusiformgyrus,leftinferiortemporalgyrus,leftcingulategyrus(anteriorandposteriordivision),rightthalamicradiation,rightlateraloccipitalcortex(inferiordivision),leftcerebellum,leftinsularcortex,leftprecuneous,leftcentralopercularcortex,leftinferiorfrontalgyrus,leftmiddletemporalgyrus,rightmiddletemporalgyrus,leftmiddlefrontalgyrus,rightpostcentralgyrus,leftsuperiorlongitudinalfasciculus,andtherightparacingulategyrus.Changeswererelatedtobrainregionsthatbelongtoorinteractwiththepainmatrixandtrigeminalsystem.

Interpretation:

Patients suffering from CTTH exhibited microstructural alterations in various brain regions associated with pain processing.

Limitations:

• Small sample size of only nine patients with CTTH.
• Study limited to female participants, which may affect generalizability.

Conclusion:

CTTH is associated with microstructural changes in brain areas relevant to pain processing.