Relationship between cross sectional area of Longus Colli muscle and pain laterality in patients with cervicogenic headache.

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) originated from impaired cervical musculoskeletal structures. Dysfunction of deep neck flexor muscles has been reported in CGH subjects. The purpose of this study was to assess relationship between the size of these muscles and headache laterality in CGH subjects. A cross sectional single blind study designed to investigate 37 CGH subjects compared with 37 healthy controls. Longus colli (LC) muscle Cross Sectional Area (CSA) in both sides was measured in supine position utilizing diagnostic ultrasonography. The mean CSA of LC muscle in healthy subjects was 0.74 ± 0.06 cm2 and in patients suffering from CGH was 0.74 ± 0.06 cm2 in left and 0.75 ± 0.06 cm<2 in right side. No significant difference was found between subjects suffering from CGH compared with healthy controls. Also no difference was found between muscle size of affected and non-affected side in unilateral CGH subjects. Results indicated that there was no relationship between size of LC muscle and pain laterality in patients with CGH.