Adult and Pediatric Clinic Relocations Continue to Reap Benefits
A few months ago, we completed the relocation of our adult and pediatric NF Clinics to two distinct locations in the UAB Medical Center District; the adult clinic is located in the Kirklin Clinic at UAB, while the pediatric clinic is at the downtown Children’s Hospital of Alabama location. We’re finding that our patients continue to reap significant benefits from this change in terms of both convenience and improved integration of care with other medical specialties involved in the multidisciplinary care we provide. For example, our patients can have imaging, bloodwork, and consultations with other specialists, when needed, in the same location without having to walk down the street to another building, as they did prior to the clinic relocations. Also, our staff has become accustomed to the streamlined integration of care and the advantages it provides. We continue to be pleased that the relocation has made our adult and pediatric clinics more efficient and patient-centered.
Headaches in NF1
Next, I’d like to briefly discuss the occurrence of headaches in individuals with NF1, which is fairly common in both adults and children. Because NF1 is a condition that increases the risk of tumor development, a common concern is that headaches are a sign of a brain tumor. In most cases, however, headaches are not due to the presence of a tumor. The most common brain tumors that occur in people with NF1 are optic gliomas, which are tumors of the optic pathway. These tumors do not usually get large enough to cause increased pressure in the brain, which is the typical cause of headaches associated with brain tumors. Other kinds of brain tumors can occur, and if they increase pressure in the brain they can cause headaches. Usually these are severe, wake a person from sleep, and are associated with other neurological symptoms as well as nausea and vomiting.
While it is possible for some individuals with NF1 to develop malignant brain tumors, most headaches in people with NF are benign and are related to non-tumor causes. A common possibility is the presence of neurofibromas located on the scalp or neck that can be tender to touch or movement. These can serve as trigger points for pain that occurs on pressure, such as when brushing the hair or lying down. The pain can sometimes be interpreted as a headache. Also, migraine headaches are more common in people with NF than in the general population and can occur in children and adults. These are throbbing headaches that last several hours and often cause light sensitivity. Children with migraines can often experience stomach aches with or without nausea and even vomiting, which can often be the primary symptom. Migraines in children can occur either infrequently or can happen often, sometimes interfering with daily living and resulting in missed school or work days, trouble with homework, and other problems. There are several approaches to management that can be helpful. Over-the-counter medications can be used and are often effective. If migraines are severe and frequent, prescription medications can be used when the headache presents, and other medications are also available that can help to prevent the development of migraines. While these medications can work remarkably well, not everyone needs to take a daily medication for the management of migraines.
Another condition that can be associated with headache is hydrocephalus, a condition of increased fluid pressure in the brain that is rare, but more common in people with NF than in the general population, and usually presents in childhood or young adulthood. The headaches tend to be severe and might be associated with other symptoms, such as vomiting and other neurological signs. In some other cases, headaches in association with NF1 can occur as a result of a problem called Chiari malformation. This is defined as an extension of the lower part of the cerebellum of the brain below the foramen magnum, which is the opening at the base of the skull that marks the beginning of the spinal cord. Chiari malformation appears to be more common in individuals with NF1 than in the general population, and can result in headaches, as well as other neurological signs, such as weakness or sensory changes in the upper part of the body. Also, tension headaches, which are associated with emotional stress, can occur in individuals with NF1. Additionally, some individuals with NF1 have elevated blood pressure that can cause headaches.
Brain imaging studies usually aren’t performed right away in association with headache if an individual’s neurological examination is normal there are no neurological deficits. However, imaging is indicated if headaches are persistent and frequent or if other neurological signs are present in addition to headache. It’s also important to note that immediate evaluation is required for pain that awakens a person from sleep or causes persistent nausea and vomiting.
Director's Blog
Continued Benefits of NF Clinic Relocations and a Discussion of Headaches in Individuals with NF1
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- Written by: Bruce Korf
