Background Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Nonetheless, there are still risk factors that have not been fully elucidated, such as chronic insomnia disorder. Objective To evaluate the association between chronic insomnia disorder and the risk of stroke in adults, through a systematic review. Methods Multiple studies available in the Embase, Lilacs, and Medline platforms were evaluated in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. The selection of papers was restricted to those that had investigated the association between chronic insomnia disorder and stroke in adults, regardless of gender or nationality, without a previous history of stroke. The data was extracted with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) form. The risk of bias was evaluated by the EPOC Risk of bias tool. Results A total of 138 articles were identified. After a detailed evaluation with the eligibility criteria, four articles were included in the present systematic review. Three of them recognized the association between chronic insomnia disorder and stroke. The comparative analysis was limited, since the studies used distinct insomnia classifications. Regarding the risk of bias, the analysis displayed an important risk in the selection and allocation of participants, besides the use of own insomnia diagnosis criteria, disrespecting chronology and factors indicated by already established classifications. Conclusions There is not enough data to determine that chronic insomnia disorder is a risk factor for stroke. The present study points out the existence of a possible relationship between insomnia disorder and stroke, suggesting that further studies adopt standardized criteria and instruments.

Background Evaluation and treatment of primary and secondary headaches is a global public health challenge. Recognizing the epidemiological impact of headaches, a group of researchers linked to the Brazilian Headache Society proposed the Brazilian Headache Registry and drew up its initial protocol. Objective Here we describe the methods and preliminary data obtained from the pilot study. Methods This was a multicenter longitudinal observational study conducted between September 2020 and August 2021. Prospective data were collected in three specialist centers for headache care in states in southern and southeastern Brazil. Patients aged 18 years or older who sought care for headache in tertiary centers and who agreed to participate in the study, were considered eligible. Results Sixty-six patients were included in the pilot study: 43 (65%) from Rio Grande do Sul state and 23 (35%) from Minas Gerais state. Overall, 90% were female, and the subjects' mean age was 38.2 ± 11.2 years. Primary headaches accounted for 85.3% of the diagnoses made. Among secondary headaches, medication overuse headache was the most frequent type (7.1%). Conclusions The pilot study showed the feasibility of the research protocol developed for tertiary centers. The Brazilian Headache Registry will form a source of longitudinal data with the aim of contributing to better characterization of the various phenotypes of patients with primary and secondary headaches, and to detailing the use of health resources and identifying predictors of better clinical outcomes.

Background Headache-management self-efficacy has been associated with pain severity and headache-related disability. Objective The aim of this study was to test the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of a Brazilian version of the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) in a sample of patients coming from three tertiary headache centers in Brazil. Methods 137 migraine outpatients completed the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) and measures of psychopathological symptoms, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, quality of life and headache-related disability. Results HMSE-10 showed good reliability (α = 0.84) and adequate corrected item-total correlation, ranging from 0.46 to 0.64. HMSE-10 was positively correlated with 6 of 8 domains of overall health status and negatively correlated with psychopathological symptoms, depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, headache-related disability, headache frequency and headache intensity. The difference between the means of the episodic and chronic headache patients had a magnitude of moderate effect in all the study measures^, being headache-related disability the largest one found (d = 0.68). Along with headache intensity and depression, Efficacy Scale beliefs were predictors of headache-related disability. Conclusions The Brazilian short version of Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE-10) was revealed as a valid and reliable measure of headache-specific Efficacy Scale beliefs.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia are preventable and highly prevalent diseases, as is systemic arterial hypertension. Thus, it is speculated that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be neuroprotective against AD. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of ARBs confers a neuroprotective effect on AD, through a systematic review. Methods: Studies published on Embase, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed were evaluated. The selection of the studies included those that evaluated the use of antihypertensive drugs in individuals with a previous diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. The data were extracted with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) form. The risk of bias was evaluated by the EPOC “Risk of bias tool.” Results: A total of 12 articles were identified, and 3 articles were selected. Two of them analyzed the use of ARB/ACEI versus other antihypertensives and the development of dementia. Conclusion: There is a tendency for ARBs to be superior to other antihypertensives in preventing dementia.

Background: Headache-Specific Locus of Control (LOC) refers to individuals’ beliefs about their control over the onset, course and consequences of headaches. LOC beliefs have been associated with depression, coping strategies, headache-related disability and treatment outcomes. Objective: To test the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of a Brazilian version of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC). Methods: One hundred and thirty-four migraine outpatients completed the HSLC and provided measurements of psychopathological symptoms, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, quality of life and headache-related disability. Results: The three-factor structure of the HSLC (LOC-P, LOC-C and LOC-I) was confirmed in the Brazilian sample. The instrument showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach's α of 0.77 for total HSLC and 0.70, 0.83 and 0.87, for LOC-P, LOC-C and LOC-I, respectively. LOC-C correlated with headache frequency and headache intensity. Along with headache intensity, depression and pain catastrophizing, LOC-I accounted for 45% of the variance (adjusted R2=0.45; F=12.97; p<0.01) in headache-related disability. Conclusions: The Brazilian version of the HSLC is a valid and reliable measure of headache-specific LOC beliefs. It is important to consider the balance between the three LOCs for each individual, instead of interpreting them separately.

Objective: To evaluate the eligibility of migraine for classification as a Primary Care-Sensitive Condition (PCSC), and to discuss the public health, clinical, and economic implications of this designation in enhancing access to care across different healthcare systems. Background: Primary Care-Sensitive Conditions are health issues for which timely and effective management in primary care can reduce the need for hospitalization and specialist care. Although migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide and frequently results in emergency visits and productivity loss, it remains underrecognized in PCSC classifications. This narrative review explores whether migraine fulfills the criteria for PCSC designation and how such recognition may contribute to improved outcomes and system efficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a narrative review based on the five criteria established by Solberg and Weissman for defining PCSCs: (1) existence of evidence supporting primary care management; (2) public health relevance; (3) diagnostic clarity at the primary care level; (4) potential to avoid hospitalizations through early intervention; and (5) the possibility of hospitalization in severe cases. Global data on migraine epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and health system impact were analyzed in this framework. Results: Migraine fulfills all five criteria for classification as a PCSC. It is highly prevalent and disabling, with substantial economic and social impacts. Diagnosis can be reliably established in primary care using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) and screening tools like ID-Migraine™, while management is feasible through patient education and preventive strategies. Despite this, underdiagnosis, lack of provider training, and limited access to effective therapies — especially in resource-constrained settings — continue to drive unnecessary hospitalizations. Integrating migraine care into primary care has shown promising outcomes in pilot initiatives globally. Structured interventions, such as professional training and non-pharmacological strategies, have demonstrated cost-effectiveness and improved patient outcomes. Classifying migraine as a PCSC could guide policy reforms, enhance early intervention, and reduce reliance on emergency services. Conclusion: Migraine meets criteria for a PCSC and recognizing that offers an opportunity to reframe policy, guide resource allocation and reduce avoidable hospitalizations decreasing the global burden of the disease by promoting timely diagnosis and improving equitable access to care. Strengthening primary care systems and embedding migraine management into routine practice are critical for achieving better health outcomes and more sustainable healthcare delivery.