Background Tension-type headache is the most common headache type in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The association between FMS and tension-type headache has been explained by central sensitization disorder. However, the neuromuscular mechanisms involved in this condition remain unclear. Aim This...
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Evaluation of the relationship between tension-type headache and masseter muscle thickness in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-sectional ultrasonographic study
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)Aims and scopeSubmit manuscript
Abstract
Background
Tension-type headache is the most common headache type in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The association between FMS and tension-type headache has been explained by central sensitization disorder. However, the neuromuscular mechanisms involved in this condition remain unclear.
Aim
This study aimed to assess the relationship between masseter muscle thickness and tension-type headache in women with FMS.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 30 FMS patients with tension-type headache (Group 1), 33 FMS patients without headache (Group 2), and 31 healthy controls (Group 3). FMS diagnosis followed the 2016 ACR criteria. Masseter muscle thickness was measured bilaterally using ultrasonography. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the impact of headache using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), and disease severity using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).
Results
Masseter muscle thickness significantly differed among groups (
p < 0.001). Group 1 (11.6 ± 2.6 mm) had greater thickness than Group 2 (9.4 ± 1.5 mm) and Group 3 (8.5 ± 1.0 mm) (
p < 0.001). In Group 1, masseter thickness correlated with HIT-6 scores (
r = 0.377,
p = 0.040). The optimal cut-off value of masseter muscle thickness for predicting tension-type headache in FMS was ≥ 9.74 mm (AUC = 0.748,
p = 0.001; 76.6% sensitivity, 66.6% specificity).
Conclusion
This study showed that masseter muscle thickness is associated with tension-type headache in FMS. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the neuromuscular mechanisms involved.
