Michael Bjørn Russell

• Høyer, Helle; Busk, Øyvind Løvold; Esbensen, Qin Ying; Røsby, Oddveig; Hilmarsen, Hilde Tveitan & Russell, Michael Bjørn [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Clinical characteristics and proteome modifications in two Charcot-Marie-Tooth families with the AARS1 Arg326Trp mutation. BMC Neurology. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12883-022-02828-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases are ubiquitously-expressed enzymes that attach amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. Mutations in several genes encoding aminoacyl tRNA-synthetases, have been associated with peripheral neuropathy, i.e. AARS1, GARS1, HARS1, YARS1 and WARS1. The pathogenic mechanism underlying AARS1-related neuropathy is not known. Methods: From 2012 onward, all probands presenting at Telemark Hospital (Skien, Norway) with peripheral neuropathy were screened for variants in AARS1 using an "in-house" next-generation sequencing panel. DNA from patient's family members was examined by Sanger sequencing. Blood from affected family members and healthy controls were used for quantification of AARS1 mRNA and alanine. Proteomic analyses were conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from four affected family members and five healthy controls. Results: Seventeen individuals in two Norwegian families affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) were characterized in this study. The heterozygous NM_001605.2:c.976C > T p.(Arg326Trp) AARS1 mutation was identified in ten affected family members. All living carriers had a mild to severe length-dependent sensorimotor neuropathy. Three deceased obligate carriers aged 74-98 were reported to be unaffected, but were not examined in the clinic. Proteomic studies in PBMC from four affected individuals suggest an effect on the immune system mediated by components of a systemic response to chronic injury and inflammation. Furthermore, altered expression of proteins linked to mitochondrial function/dysfunction was observed. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange using identifier PXD023842. Conclusion: This study describes clinical and neurophysiological features linked to the p.(Arg326Trp) variant of AARS1 in CMT-affected members of two Norwegian families. Proteomic analyses based on of PBMC from four CMT-affected individuals suggest that involvement of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to AARS1 variant-associated peripheral neuropathy.

• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2022). Behov for mer robust forskning. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 142(7), p. 573–573. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0276. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Stavem, Knut & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2021). Spinal manipulative therapy for acute neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 10(21). doi: 10.3390/jcm10215011. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  (1) Background: Acute neck pain is common and usually managed by medication and/or manual therapy. General practitioners (GPs) hesitate to refer to manual therapy due to uncertainty about the effectiveness and adverse events (AEs); (2) Method: To review original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for acute neck pain. Data extraction was done in duplicate and formulated in tables. Quality and evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Back and Neck (CBN) Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, respectively; (3) Results: Six studies were included. The overall pooled effect size for neck pain was very large −1.37 (95% CI, −2.41, −0.34), favouring treatments with SMT compared with controls. A single study that showed that SMT was statistically significantly better than medicine (30 mg ketorolac im.) one day post-treatment, ((−2.8 (46%) (95% CI, −2.1, −3.4) vs. −1.7 (30%) (95% CI, −1.1, −2.3), respectively; p = 0.02)). Minor transient AEs reported included increased pain and headache, while no serious AEs were reported; (4) Conclusions: SMT alone or in combination with other modalities was effective for patients with acute neck pain. However, limited quantity and quality, pragmatic design, and high heterogeneity limit our findings.

• Aalberg, Karoline; Stavem, Knut; Norheim, Frode Amador; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Chaibi, Aleksander (2021). Effect of oral and transdermal oestrogen therapy on bone mineral density in functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. 7(3). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001112. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Female athletes might develop reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and amenorrhoea due to low energy intake. Objective To systematically review the literature of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of oestrogen oral contraceptives (OCP), conjugated oestrogens (CE) and transdermal estradiol (TE) on BMD in premenopausal women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) due to weight loss, vigorous exercise and/or stress. Methods A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Ovid and CINAHL from inception to 1 October 2020. Data extraction and synthesis Two authors independently extracted data. When possible, the data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Main outcomes Difference in BMD (g/cm 2 ) at the lumbar spine. Results Nine RCTs comprising 770 participants met the inclusion criteria; five studies applied OCP, two CE and two TE. Four RCTs (two OCP, two TE) found an increased BMD in premenopausal women with FHA, and five (three OCP, two CE) found a decreased BMD compared with controls. A meta-analysis showed no difference in BMD between the treatment and control groups, (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.30, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.73). A secondary analysis for change scores from baseline to first assessment point, showed a similar overall result (SMD 0.17, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.51). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion The literature suggests that TE might increase lumbar BMD in premenopausal women with FHA, but pooled results revealed no effect of the intervention. The findings do not support oestrogen therapy to improve BMD in these patient groups.

• Russell, Michael Bjørn (2019). Epidemiology and management of medication-overuse headache in the general population. Neurological Sciences. ISSN 1590-1874. 40, p. 23–26. doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-03812-8. Full text in Research Archive
• Iqbal, Zafar; Koht, Jeanette; Pihlstrøm, Lasse; Henriksen, Sandra Pilar; Cappelletti, Chiara & Russell, Michael Bjørn [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Missense mutations in DYT-TOR1A dystonia. Neurology: Genetics. 5:e343(4), p. 1–6. doi: 10.1212/NXG.0000000000000343. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  DYT-TOR1A dystonia is caused by dominant mutations in the TOR1A gene, most frequently a heterozygous in-frame deletion in exon 5 (c.904_906delGAG; p.302/303delE).1 The most frequent phenotype has childhood onset in a limb, spreading to generalized dystonia within a few years. However, also mild focal forms and onset in the cervical and even cranial region have been described. Age at onset varies from 3 to 64 years,2 and penetrance is only 30%. Other in-frame deletions and point mutations in TOR1A have been associated with dystonia in a limited number of patients.3,4 Here, we report 2 new patients with missense mutations in TOR1A.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2019). Illness perception in people With primary and secondary chronic headache in the general population. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. ISSN 0022-3999. 116, p. 83–92. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.12.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2019). A risk-benefit assessment strategy to exclude cervical artery dissection in spinal manual-therapy: A comprehensive review. Annals of Medicine. ISSN 0785-3890. 51(2), p. 118–127. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2019.1590627. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract: Cervical artery dissection refers to a tear in the internal carotid or the vertebral artery that results in an intramural haematoma and/or an aneurysmal dilatation. Although cervical artery dissection is thought to occur spontaneously, physical trauma to the neck, especially hyperextension and rotation, has been reported as a trigger. Headache and/or neck pain is the most common initial symptom of cervical artery dissection. Other symptoms include Horner's syndrome and lower cranial nerve palsy. Both headache and/or neck pain are common symptoms and leading causes of disability, while cervical artery dissection is rare. Patients often consult their general practitioner for headache and/or neck pain, and because manual-therapy interventions can alleviate headache and/or neck pain, many patients seek manual therapists, such as chiropractors and physiotherapists. Cervical mobilization and manipulation are two interventions that manual therapists use. Both interventions have been suspected of being able to trigger cervical artery dissection as an adverse event. The aim of this review is to provide an updated step-by-step risk-benefit assessment strategy regarding manual therapy and to provide tools for clinicians to exclude cervical artery dissection.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Stavem, Knut; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2019). The impact of chronic headache on workdays, unemployment and disutility in the general population. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. ISSN 0143-005X. doi: 10.1136/jech-2018-211127. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Lundqvist, Christofer (2019). Validity of self-reported assessment of severity of dependence scale in medication-overuse headache. Scandinavian Journal of Pain. ISSN 1877-8860. 19(4), p. 837–841. doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2019-0022. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2019). Response to commentary by Pikus and Harbaugh on: A risk-benefit assessment strategy to exclude cervical artery dissection in spinal manual-therapy: a comprehensive review. Annals of Medicine. ISSN 0785-3890. 51, p. 1–3. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2019.1648853. Full text in Research Archive
• Lundqvist, Christofer; Gossop, Michael; Russell, Michael Bjørn; Straand, Jørund & Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug (2019). Severity of Analgesic Dependence and Medication-overuse Headache. Journal of addiction medicine. ISSN 1932-0620. 13(5), p. 346–353. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000504. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Aaseth, Kjersti; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2018). Medication-overuse headache detoxification reduces headache disability - The Akershus study of chronic headache. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 25(9), p. 1140–1147. doi: 10.1111/ene.13674. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2018). Psychological distress, neuroticism and disability associated with secondary chronic headache in the general population - The Akershus study of chronic headache. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 18(62). doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-0894-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Primary headaches are associated with psychological distress, neuroticism and disability. However, little is known about headache-related disability and psychological distress among people with secondary chronic headaches. Methods 30,000 persons aged 30–44 from the general population was screened for headache by a questionnaire. The responder rate was 71%. The International Classification of Headache Disorders with supplementary definitions for chronic rhinosinusitis and cervicogenic headache were used. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 assessed high psychological distress, the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire assessed disability, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire assessed neuroticism. Results Ninety-five of the 113 eligible participants (84%) completed the self-reported questionnaire. A total of 38 people had chronic post-traumatic headache, 21 had cervicogenic headache, and 39 had headache attributed to chronic rhinosinusitis, while 9 had co-occurrence of chronic post-traumatic and cervicogenic headache. Six persons had miscellaneous secondary chronic headaches. Overall, 49% of those with secondary chronic headache reported high psychological distress, which is significantly higher than in the general population. A high level of neuroticism was significantly more common in those with secondary chronic headache than in the general population. Severe headache-related disability was reported by 69%. 92 persons were followed up after 3 years. A low headache frequency was the only significant predictor of improvement of ≥ 25% in headache days. Having post-traumatic or cervicogenic headache and not headache attributed to chronic rhinosinusitis predicted an increased risk > 25% worsening of headache days or having a severe disability at 3 years follow-up. Conclusion Psychological distress and neuroticism were more common among people with secondary chronic headache than in the general population. Only a high headache frequency was significantly associated with increased headache disability at baseline and a poor prognosis in the long term.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Stavem, Knut; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2018). Excessive daytime sleepiness in chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache from the general population. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 38(5), p. 993–997. doi: 10.1177/0333102417721133. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; MacGregor, E. Anne; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2018). Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in female migraineurs with and without menstrual migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 19:97, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-0931-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Menstrual migraine (MM) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are two conditions linked to specific phases of the menstrual cycle. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, but both conditions are hypothesized to be triggered by female sex hormones. Co-occurrence of MM and PMS is controversial. The objective of this population-based study was to compare self-assessed symptoms of PMS in female migraineurs with and without MM. A total of 237 women from the general population who self-reported migraine in at least50% of their menstruations in a screening questionnaire were invited to a clinical interview and diagnosed by a neurologist according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders II (ICHD II), including the appendix criteria for MM. All women were asked to complete a self-administered form containing 11 questions about PMS-symptoms adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The number of PMS symptoms was compared among migraineurs with and without MM. In addition, each participant completed the Headache Impact test (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). Findings A total of 193 women returned a complete PMS questionnaire, of which 67 women were excluded from the analyses due to current use of hormonal contraception (n = 61) or because they did not fulfil the ICHD-criteria for migraine (n = 6). Among the remaining 126 migraineurs, 78 had MM and 48 non-menstrually related migraine. PMS symptoms were equally frequent in migraineurs with and without MM (5.4 vs. 5.9, p = 0.84). Women with MM reported more migraine days/month, longer lasting migraine attacks and higher HIT-6 scores than those without MM, but MIDAS scores were similar. Conclusion We did not find any difference in number of self-reported PMS-symptoms between migraineurs with and without MM.

• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Adverse events in a chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial for migraineurs. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. ISSN 2468-8630. 29, p. 66–71. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.003. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  BACKGROUND: Unlike pharmacological randomized controlled trials (RCTs), manual-therapy RCTs do not always report adverse events (AEs). The few manual-therapy RCTs that provide information on AEs are frequently without details, such as the type and-, severity of the AE and reason for withdrawal. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively report all AEs in a chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) RCT. DESIGN: A prospective 3-armed, single-blinded, placebo, RCT. METHODS: Seventy migraineurs were randomized to the CSMT or a placebo, with 12 intervention sessions over three months. The recommendations by CONSORT and the International Headache Society's Task Force on AEs in migraine RCTs were followed. A standardized reporting scheme designed for pharmacological RCTs was used, and the AEs were described as frequencies and percentages within each group. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the percentages (absolute risk) of AEs in each group were calculated when possible. Attributable risk (%) and relative risk were calculated with the corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS: AEs were assessed in 703 sessions, with 355 in the CSMT group and 348 in the placebo group. Local tenderness was the most common AE, reported by 11.3% and 6.9% of the CSMT group and the placebo group, respectively, and tiredness on the intervention day was reported by 8.5% and 1.4% of CSMT group and the placebo group, respectively. The highest attributable risk was for tiredness on the treatment day, 7.0% (CI 3.9-10.2%) which presented a relative risk of 5.9 (CI 2.3-15.0). CONCLUSIONS: AEs were mild and transient, and severe or serious AEs were not observed.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2017). Lasting improvement of medication-overuse headache after brief intervention - a long-term follow-up in primary care. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 24(7), p. 883–891. doi: 10.1111/ene.13318. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Stavem, Knut; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Excessive daytime sleepiness in secondary chronic headache from the general population. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 18:85, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1186/s10194-017-0794-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS, defined as Epworth sleepiness scale score > 10) is a common symptom, with a prevalence of 10–20% in the general population. It is associated with headache and other chronic pain disorders. However, little is known about the prevalence of EDS among people with secondary chronic headaches. Findings A total of 30,000 persons aged 30–44 from the general population was screened for headache by a questionnaire. The 633 eligible participants with self-reported chronic headache were interviewed and examined by a headache specialist who applied the International Classification of Headache Disorders with supplementary definitions for chronic rhinosinusitis and cervicogenic headache. A total of 93 participants had secondary chronic headache and completed the ESS. A total of 47 participants had chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTH) and/or cervicogenic headache (CEH), 39 participants had headache attributed to chronic rhinosinusitis (HACRS), while 7 had other secondary headaches. 23.3% of those with CPTH, CEH or HACRS reported EDS. In multivariable logistic regression analysis the odds ratios of EDS were not significantly different in people with CPTH/CEH or HACRS. Conclusion Almost one out of four subjects with secondary chronic headache reported EDS with no differences between the various secondary chronic headaches.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2017). Predictors of successful primary care detoxification treatment for medication-overuse headache. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6314. 136(5), p. 486–494. doi: 10.1111/ane.12759. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Knackstedt, Heidi Katharina; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache: a single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial. BMC Research Notes. 10(310). doi: 10.1186/s13104-017-2651-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: Cervicogenic headache is a disabling headache where pharmacological management have limited effect. Thus, non-pharmacological management is warranted. Our objective was therefore to investigate the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy versus placebo (sham manipulation) and control (continued usual but non-manual management) for cervicogenic headache in a prospective 3-armed single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial of 17 months’ duration. Results: Nineteen participants were equally randomized into the three groups, and 12 participants completed the randomized controlled trial. Headache frequency improved at all time points in the chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy and the placebo group. Headache index improved in the chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy group at all time points, while it improved at 6 and 12 months’ follow-up in the placebo group. The control group remained unchanged during the whole study period. Adverse events were few, mild and transient. Blinding was concealed throughout the RCT. Thus, our results suggest that manual-therapy might be a safe treatment option for participants with cervicogenic headache, but data need to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial with sufficient sample size and statistical power. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01687881, 11 September 2012

• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 24(1), p. 143–153. doi: 10.1111/ene.13166. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and purpose: To investigate the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for migraineurs. Methods: This was a prospective three-armed, single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 17 months duration including 104 migraineurs with at least one migraine attack per month. The RCT was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Active treatment consisted of CSMT, whereas placebo was a sham push manoeuvre of the lateral edge of the scapula and/or the gluteal region. The control group continued their usual pharmacological management. The RCT consisted of a 1-month run-in, 3 months intervention and outcome measures at the end of the intervention and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. The primary end-point was the number of migraine days per month, whereas secondary end-points were migraine duration, migraine intensity and headache index, and medicine consumption. Results: Migraine days were significantly reduced within all three groups from baseline to post-treatment (P < 0.001). The effect continued in the CSMT and placebo group at all follow-up time points, whereas the control group returned to baseline. The reduction in migraine days was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.025 for interaction). Migraine duration and headache index were reduced significantly more in the CSMT than the control group towards the end of follow-up (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04 for interaction, respectively). Adverse events were few, mild and transient. Blinding was strongly sustained throughout the RCT. Conclusions: It is possible to conduct a manual-therapy RCT with concealed placebo. The effect of CSMT observed in our study is probably due to a placebo response.

• Stavem, Knut; Kristiansen, Håvard; Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Kvaerner, Kari Jorunn & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Association of excessive daytime sleepiness with migraine and headache frequency in the general population. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 18(35). doi: 10.1186/s10194-017-0743-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Some previous studies have postulated an association between migraine and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This study evaluated the association of EDS with migraine and headache frequency in a general population, after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Methods: The study was a postal survey of a random age and gender-stratified sample of 40,000 persons aged 20 to 80 years old drawn by the National Population Register in Norway. The questionnaire included questions about migraine, headache, the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and various comorbidities. EDS was defined as ESS > 10. The association of EDS and migraine/headache were analysed by bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 21,177 persons responded to the ESS and were included in the analyses. The odds ratio (OR) for EDS was increased for migraineurs (1.42 (95% CI 1.31─1.54), p < 0.001) compared to non-migraineurs; however, this finding was not significant after adjustment for a number of possible confounders. EDS increased with increasing headache frequency, with an OR of 2.74 (95% CI 2.05─3.65), p < 0.001) for those with headache on >179 days per year compared to those without headache in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: In a general population, the odds for EDS increased significantly with the headache frequency, irrespective of migraine status. EDS was not associated with reported migraine in multivariable analysis.

• Høyer, Helle; Braathen, Geir Julius; Eek, Anette Kildal; Namløs, Gry Beate; Skjelbred, Camilla Furu & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Copy Number Variations in a Population-Based Study of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. BioMed Research International. ISSN 2314-6133. doi: 10.1155/2015/960404. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Disability, anxiety and depression in patients with medication-overuse headache in primary care - the BIMOH study. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 23, p. 28–35. doi: 10.1111/ene.12850. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Brief intervention by general practitioners for medication-overuse headache, follow-up after 6 months: a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial. Journal of Neurology. ISSN 0340-5354. Published ahead of print. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7975-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyer, Helle; Busk, Øyvind; Holla, Øystein Lunde; Strand, Linda; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Skjelbred, Camilla Furu [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Arvelige perifere nevropatier diagnostisert ved dypsekvensering :. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 135(20), p. 1838–1843. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.14.1002. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jurate Saltyte & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Validation of Placebo in a Manual Therapy Randomized Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports. 5:11774. doi: 10.1038/srep11774. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  At present, no consensus exists among clinical and academic experts regarding an appropriate placebo for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Therefore, we investigated whether it was possible to conduct a chiropractic manual-therapy RCT with placebo. Seventy migraineurs were randomized to a single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial that consisted of 12 treatment sessions over 3 months. The participants were randomized to chiropractic SMT or placebo (sham manipulation). After each session, the participants were surveyed on whether they thought they had undergone active treatment ("yes" or "no") and how strongly they believed that active treatment was received (numeric rating scale 0-10). The outcome measures included the rate of successful blinding and the certitude of the participants' beliefs in both treatment groups. At each treatment session, more than 80% of the participants believed that they had undergone active treatment, regardless of group allocation. The odds ratio for believing that active treatment was received was >10 for all treatment sessions in both groups (all p < 0.001). The blinding was maintained throughout the RCT. Our results strongly demonstrate that it is possible to conduct a single-blinded manual-therapy RCT with placebo and to maintain the blinding throughout 12 treatment sessions given over 3 months.

• Braathen, Geir Julius; Høyer, Helle; Busk, Øyvind; Tveten, Kristian; Skjelbred, Camilla Furu & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Variants in the genes DCTN2, DNAH10,LRIG3, and MYO1A are associated with intermediate Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in a Norwegian family. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6314. doi: 10.1111/ane.12515. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; MacGregor, Elizabeth Anne; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Menstrual versus non-menstrual attacks of migraine without aura in women with and without menstrual migraine. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 35(14), p. 1261–1268. doi: 10.1177/0333102415575723. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective The objective of this article is to compare clinical characteristics of menstrual and non-menstrual attacks of migraine without aura (MO), prospectively recorded in a headache diary, by women with and without a diagnosis of menstrual migraine without aura (MM) according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Material and methods A total of 237 women from the general population with self-reported migraine in ≥50% of their menstrual periods were interviewed and classified by a physician according to the criteria of the ICHD II. Subsequently, all participants were instructed to complete a prospective headache diary for at least three menstrual cycles. Clinical characteristics of menstrual and non-menstrual attacks of MO were compared by a regression model for repeated measurements. Results In total, 123 (52%) women completed the diary. In the 56 women who were prospectively diagnosed with MM by diary, the menstrual MO-attacks were longer (on average 10.65 hours, 99% CI 3.17–18.12) and more frequently accompanied by severe nausea (OR 2.14, 99% CI 1.20–3.84) than non-menstrual MO-attacks. No significant differences between menstrual and non-menstrual MO-attacks were found among women with MO, but no MM. Conclusion In women from the general population, menstrual MO-attacks differ from non-menstrual attacks only in women who fulfil the ICHD criteria for MM.

• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a study protocol of a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open. 5(11). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008095. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Migraine affects 15% of the population, and has substantial health and socioeconomic costs. Pharmacological management is first-line treatment. However, acute and/or prophylactic medicine might not be tolerated due to side effects or contraindications. Thus, we aim to assess the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for migraineurs in a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial (RCT). Method and analysis According to the power calculations, 90 participants are needed in the RCT. Participants will be randomised into one of three groups: CSMT, placebo (sham manipulation) and control (usual non-manual management). The RCT consists of three stages: 1 month run-in, 3 months intervention and follow-up analyses at the end of the intervention and 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary end point is migraine frequency, while migraine duration, migraine intensity, headache index (frequency x duration x intensity) and medicine consumption are secondary end points. Primary analysis will assess a change in migraine frequency from baseline to the end of the intervention and follow-up, where the groups CSMT and placebo and CSMT and control will be compared. Owing to two group comparisons, p values below 0.025 will be considered statistically significant. For all secondary end points and analyses, a p value below 0.05 will be used. The results will be presented with the corresponding p values and 95% CIs. Ethics and dissemination The RCT will follow the clinical trial guidelines from the International Headache Society. The Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics and the Norwegian Social Science Data Services have approved the project. Procedure will be conducted according to the declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals.

• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache: a study protocol of a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. SpringerPlus. 4(1), p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1567-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is a secondary headache which affects 1.0–4.6 % of the population. Although the costs are unknown, the health consequences are substantial for the individual; especially considering that they often suffers chronicity. Pharmacological management has no or only minor effect on CEH. Thus, we aim to assess the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for CEH in a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT). According to the power calculations, we aim to recruit 120 participants to the RCT. Participants will be randomized into one of three groups; CSMT, placebo (sham manipulation) and control (usual non-manual management). The RCT consists of three stages: 1 month run-in, 3 months intervention and follow-up analyses at the end of intervention and 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary end-point is headache frequency, while headache duration, headache intensity, headache index (frequency × duration × intensity) and medicine consumption are secondary end-points. Primary analysis will assess a change in headache frequency from baseline to the end of intervention and to follow-up, where the groups CSMT and placebo and CSMT and control will be compared. Due to two group-comparisons, the results with p values below 0.025 will be considered statistically significant. For all secondary end-points and analyses, the significance level of 0.05 will be used. The results will be presented with the corresponding p values and 95 % confidence intervals. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective manual therapy three-armed single-blinded placebo-controlled RCT to be conducted for CEH. Current RCTs suggest efficacy in headache frequency, duration and intensity. However a firm conclusion requires clinical single-blinded placebo-controlled RCTs with few methodological shortcomings. The present study design adheres to the recommendations for pharmacological RCTs as far as possible and follows the recommended clinical trial guidelines by the International Headache Society.

• Vetvik, Kjersti; MacGregor, EA; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2015). A clinical interview versus prospective headache diaries in the diagnosis of menstrual migraine without aura. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 35(5), p. 410–416. doi: 10.1177/0333102414545891. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Brief intervention for medication-overuse headache in primary care. The BIMOH study: a double-blind pragmatic cluster randomised parallel controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. ISSN 0022-3050. 86(5), p. 505–512. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308548. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2014). Feasibility of a brief intervention for medication-overuse headache in primary care - A pilot study. BMC Research Notes. 7(1). doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-165. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a common problem in primary care. Brief intervention (BI) has successfully been used for detoxification from overuse of alcohol and drugs. The aim of this pilot study was to develop and test methodology, acceptability and logistics for a BI for MOH in primary care. Findings Observational feasibility study of an intervention in a Norwegian general practice population. Six general practitioners (GPs) were recruited. A screening questionnaire for MOH was sent to all 18–50 year old patients on these GPs` list. GPs were taught BI, which was applied to MOH patients as follows: Severity of dependence scale (SDS) scores were collected and individual feedback was given of the relationship between the SDS, medication overuse and headache. Finally, advice to reduce medication was given. Patients were invited to a headache interview three months after the BI. Main outcomes were feedback from GPs/patients about the feasibility and logistics of the study design, screening/recruitment process, BI and headache interviews. Efficacy and patient-related outcomes were not focused. The patients reported a high degree of acceptability of the methodology. The GPs reported the BI to be feasible to implement within a busy practice and to represent a new and improved instrument for communication with MOH patients. The BI requires further testing in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in order to provide evidence of efficacy. Conclusion This feasibility study will be used to improve the BI for MOH and the design of a cluster-RCT.

• Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Reversible Hemiparesis in a Patient with Migraine. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 1536-0288. 28(3), p. 311–313. doi: 10.3109/15360288.2014.943384. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; MacGregor, EA; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Prevalence of menstrual migraine: A population-based study. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 34(4), p. 280–288. doi: 10.1177/0333102413507637. Full text in Research Archive
• Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Pericranial tenderness in chronic tension-type headache: the Akershus population-based study of chronic headache. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 15(1). doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-58. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Most knowledge on chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is based on data from selected clinic populations, while data from the general population is sparse. Since pericranial tenderness is found to be the most prominent finding in CTTH, we wanted to explore the relationship between CTTH and pericranial muscle tenderness in a population-based sample. Methods An age- and gender-stratified random sample of 30,000 persons aged 30-44 years from the general population received a mailed questionnaire. Those with a self-reported chronic headache were interviewed and examined by neurological residents. The questionnaire response rate was 71% and the interview participation rate was 74%. The International Classification of Headache Disorders II was used. Pericranial muscle tenderness was assessed by a total tenderness score (TTS) involving 8 pairs of muscles and tendon insertions. Cross-sectional data from the Danish general population using the same scoring system were used for comparison. Results The tenderness scores were significantly higher in women than men in all muscle groups. The TTS was significantly higher in those with co-occurrence of migraine compared with those without; 19.3 vs. 16.8, p = 0.02. Those with bilateral CTTH had a significantly higher TTS than those with unilateral CTTH. The TTS decreased significantly with age. People with CTTH had a significantly higher TTS compared to the general population. Conclusions People with CTTH have increased pericranial tenderness. Elevated tenderness scores are associated with co-occurrence of migraine, bilateral headache and low age. Whether the increased muscle tenderness is primary or secondary to the headache should be addressed by future studies.

• Høyer, Helle; Braathen, Geir Julius; Busk, Øyvind; Holla, Øystein Lunde; Svendsen, Marit & Hilmarsen, Hilde T [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2014). Genetic diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in a population by next-generation sequencing. BioMed Research International. ISSN 2314-6133. 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/210401. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; MacGregor, Elizabeth Anne; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Contraceptive-induced amenorrhoea leads to reduced frequency of migraine without aura in women with menstrual migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 15. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-30. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Menstrual migraine without aura (MM) affects approximately 20% of female migraineurs in the general population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of contraception on the attacks of migraine without aura (MO) in women with MM. Findings: 141 women from the general population with a history of MM according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders II (ICHD II) were interviewed by a headache specialist. Of 49 women with a history of MM currently using hormonal contraception, 23 reported amenorrhoea. Significantly more women with amenorrhoea reported no MO- days during the preceding month compared to women without amenorrhoea (OR 16.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-140.4; P?=?0.003). A reduction of MO-frequency was more often reported in women with than without amenorrhoea (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.1-11.4; P?=?0.04). Conclusion: Amenorrhoea leads to a reduction of MO-frequency in women with MM using hormonal contraceptives. Future prospective studies on MM should focus on contraceptive methods that achieve amenorrhoea.

• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Manual therapies for primary chronic headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 15(1), p. 67–75. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-67. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This is to our knowledge the first systematic review regarding the efficacy of manual therapy randomized clinical trials (RCT) for primary chronic headaches. A comprehensive English literature search on CINHAL, Cochrane, Medline, Ovid and PubMed identified 6 RCTs all investigating chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). One study applied massage therapy and five studies applied physiotherapy. Four studies were considered to be of good methodological quality by the PEDro scale. All studies were pragmatic or used no treatment as a control group, and only two studies avoided co-intervention, which may lead to possible bias and makes interpretation of the results more difficult. The RCTs suggest that massage and physiotherapy are effective treatment options in the management of CTTH. One of the RCTs showed that physiotherapy reduced headache frequency and intensity statistical significant better than usual care by the general practitioner. The efficacy of physiotherapy at post-treatment and at 6 months follow-up equals the efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants. Effect size of physiotherapy was up to 0.62. Future manual therapy RCTs are requested addressing the efficacy in chronic migraine with and without medication overuse. Future RCTs on headache should adhere to the International Headache Society’s guidelines for clinical trials, i.e. frequency as primary end-point, while duration and intensity should be secondary end-point, avoid co-intervention, includes sufficient sample size and follow-up period for at least 6 months.

• Russell, Michael Bjørn; Kristiansen, Håvard Anton & Kvaerner, Kari Jorunn (2014). Headache in sleep apnea syndrome: Epidemiology and pathophysiology. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 34(10), p. 752–755. doi: 10.1177/0333102414538551. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Lundqvist, Christofer & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Self-reported efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine: the Akershus study of chronic headache. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 14:36. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-36. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Chronic headache is associated with disability and high utilisation of health care including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Findings We investigated self-reported efficacy of CAM in people with chronic headache from the general population. Respondents with possible self-reported chronic headache were interviewed by physicians experienced in headache diagnostics. CAM queried included acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naprapathy, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, and psychomotor physiotherapy. Sixty-two % and 73% of those with primary and secondary chronic headache had used CAM. Self-reported efficacy of CAM ranged from 0-43% without significant differences between gender, headache diagnoses, co-occurrence of migraine, medication use or physician contact. Conclusion CAM is widely used, despite self-reported efficacy of different CAM modalities is modest in the management of chronic headache.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER; Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Management of secondary chronic headache in the general population: the Akershus study of chronic headache. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 14. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The prevalence of secondary chronic headache in our population is 0.5%. Data is sparse on these types of headache and information about utilisation of health care and medication is missing. Our aim was to evaluate utility of health service services and medication use in secondary chronic headache in the general population. Methods An age and gender stratified cross-sectional epidemiological survey included 30,000 persons 30–44 years old. Diagnoses were interview-based. The International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd ed. was applied along with supplementary definitions for chronic rhinosinusitis and cervicogenic headache. Secondary chronic headache exclusively due to medication overuse was excluded. Results One hundred and thirteen participants had secondary chronic headache. Thirty % had never consulted a physician, 70% had consulted their GP, 35% had consulted a neurologist and 5% had been hospitalised due to their secondary chronic headache. Co-occurrence of migraine or medication overuse increased the physician contact. Acute headache medication was taken by 84% and 11% used prophylactic medication. Complementary and alternative medicine was used by 73% with the higher frequency among those with than without physician contact. Conclusion The pattern of health care utilisation indicates that there is room for improving management of secondary chronic headache.

• Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Sleep apnea headache: a growing concern in an increasingly obese population? Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. ISSN 1473-7175. 13(10), p. 1129–1133. doi: 10.1586/14737175.2013.840422. Full text in Research Archive
• Beiske, Kornelia Katalin; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Stavem, Knut (2013). Prevalence and predictors of headache in patients referred to polysomnography. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 14. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-14-90. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The objectives of this study were; (1) to assess the prevalence and frequency of headache in patients referred to polysomnography (PSG) due to a clinical suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or another sleep disturbance and compare with a reference population, and (2) to assess the association of OSA severity with headache and headache frequency. Methods A total of 784 participants filled in a headache questionnaire between 2003 and 2009 at the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Akershus University Hospital. Of these patients 477 were suspected to have OSA, and 307 had other sleep complaints. We assessed the prevalence of headache and monthly headache frequencies, as well as sleep apnea severity using an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The association of headache and monthly headache frequencies with PSG subgroups was assessed using multivariate logistic and ordered logistic regression analysis. Results The frequency of headache was not associated with the severity of OSA. Patients referred to a sleep study for any reason had higher odds ratio (OR) for having experienced headache during the past year than population controls after adjustment for age, gender and education, i.e. patients with normal AHI had OR of 3.56, patients with OSA had OR of 3.51, and patients with other sleep disturbances had OR of 3.33. Similarly, the adjusted OR of being in a higher category of monthly headache frequency compared to controls was higher in those with normal AHI (OR 3.42), OSA (OR 3.29), and other sleep disturbances (OR 3.00). Conclusions The odds of headache and headache frequency were higher in subjects referred to a PSG for any sleep disturbance independently of OSA, compared to general population controls. However, there was no association between experiencing headache during the past year or headache frequency with OSA severity.

• LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Aaseth, Kjersti & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Dependence scores predict prognosis of medication overuse headache: A prospective cohort from the Akershus study of chronic headache. Pain. ISSN 0304-3959. 153(3), p. 682–686. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.12.008. Full text in Research Archive
• Knackstedt, Heidi Katharina; Kråkenes, Jostein; Bansevicius, Dalius & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Magnetic resonance imaging of craniovertebral structures: clinical significance in cervicogenic headaches. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 13(1), p. 39–44. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0387-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper aims to investigate the relevance of morphological changes in the main stabilizing structures of the craniocervical junction in persons with cervicogenic headache (CEH). A case control study of 46 consecutive persons with CEH, 22 consecutive with headache attributed to whiplash associated headache (WLaH) and 19 consecutive persons with migraine. The criteria of the Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group (CHISG) were used for diagnosing CEH; otherwise the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD II) were applied. All participants had a clinical interview, and physical and neurological examination. Proton weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the craniovertebral junction, and the alar and transverse ligaments were evaluated and blinded to clinical information. The MRI of the craniovertebral and the cervical junctions, the alar and transverse ligaments disclosed no significant differences between those with CEH, WLaH and or migraine. The site of CEH pain was not correlated with the site of signal intensity changes of the alar and transverse ligaments. In fact, very few had moderate or severe signal intensity changes in their ligaments. MRI shows no specific changes of cervical discs or craniovertebral ligaments in CEH.

• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2012). Study protocol: Brief intervention for medication overuse headache - A double-blinded cluster randomised parallel controlled trial in primary care. BMC Neurology. 12. doi: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-70. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Chronic headache (headache ≥ 15 days/month for at least 3 months) affects 2–5% of the general population. Medication overuse contributes to the problem. Medication-overuse headache (MOH) can be identified by using the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). A “brief intervention” scheme (BI) has previously been used for detoxification from drug and alcohol overuse in other settings. Short, unstructured, individualised simple information may also be enough to detoxify a large portion of those with MOH. We have adapted the structured (BI) scheme to be used for MOH in primary care. Methods/Design A double-blinded cluster randomised parallel controlled trial (RCT) of BI vs. business as usual. Intervention will be performed in primary care by GPs trained in BI. Patients with MOH will be identified through a simple screening questionnaire sent to patients on the GPs lists. The BI method involves an approach for identifying patients with high likelihood of MOH using simple questions about headache frequency and the SDS score. Feedback is given to the individual patient on his/her score and consequences this might have regarding the individual risk of medication overuse contributing to their headache. Finally, advice is given regarding measures to be taken, how the patient should proceed and the possible gains for the patient. The participating patients complete a headache diary and receive a clinical interview and neurological examination by a GP experienced in headache diagnostics three months after the intervention. Primary outcomes are number of headache days and number of medication days per month at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include proportions with 25 and 50% improvement at 3 months and maintenance of improvement and quality of life after 12 months. Discussion There is a need for evidence-based and cost-effective strategies for treatment of MOH but so far no consensus has been reached regarding an optimal medication withdrawal method. To our knowledge this is the first RCT of structured non-pharmacological MOH treatment in primary care. Results may hold the potential of offering an instrument for treating MOH patients in the general population by GPs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01314768

• Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2012). Prevention and management of medication overuse headache. Current Opinion in Neurology. ISSN 1350-7540. 25(3), p. 290–295. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e328352c431. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristiansen, Håvard Anton; Kvaerner, Kari Jorunn; Akre, Harriet; Øverland, Britt; Sandvik, Leiv & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Sleep apnoea headache in the general population. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 32(6), p. 451–458. doi: 10.1177/0333102411431900. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Aaseth, Kjersti; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Management of primary chronic headache in the general population: the Akershus study of chronic headache. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 13(2), p. 113–120. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0391-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Primary chronic headaches cause more disability and necessitate high utilisation of health care. Our knowledge is based on selected populations, while information from the general population is largely lacking. An age and gender-stratified cross-sectional epidemiological survey included 30,000 persons aged 30–44 years. Respondents with self-reported chronic headache were interviewed by physicians. The International Classification of Headache Disorders was used. Of all primary chronic headache sufferers, 80% had consulted their general practitioner (GP), of these 19% had also consulted a neurologist and 4% had been hospitalised. Co-occurrence of migraine increased the probability of contact with a physician. A high Severity of Dependence Scale score increased the probability for contact with a physician. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was used by 62%, most often physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic. Contact with a physician increased the probability of use of CAM. Acute headache medications were taken by 87%, while only 3% used prophylactic medication. GPs manage the majority of those with primary chronic headache, 1/5 never consults a physician for their headache, while approximately 1/5 is referred to a neurologist or hospitalised. Acute headache medication was frequently overused, while prophylactic medication was rarely used. Thus, avoidance of acute headache medication overuse and increased use of prophylactic medication may improve the management of primary chronic headaches in the future. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

• Koppen, H; Vis, JC; Gooiker, DJ; Knudsen, S.; Bouma, BJ & Tijssen, JGP [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2012). Aortic root pathology in Marfan syndrome increases the risk of migraine with aura. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 32(6), p. 467–472. doi: 10.1177/0333102412441091. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Manual therapies for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 13(5), p. 351–359. doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0436-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This paper systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials (RCT) assessing the efficacy of manual therapies for cervicogenic headache (CEH). A total of seven RCTs were identified, i.e. one study applied physiotherapy ± temporomadibular mobilization techniques and six studies applied cervical spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). The RCTs suggest that physiotherapy and SMT might be an effective treatment in the management of CEH, but the results are difficult to evaluate, since only one study included a control group that did not receive treatment. Furthermore, the RCTs mostly included participant with infrequent CEH. Future challenges regarding CEH are substantial both from a diagnostic and management point of view. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.

• Kristiansen, Håvard Anton; Kvaerner, Kari Jorunn; Akre, Harriet; Øverland, Britt & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Migraine and sleep apnea in the general population. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 12(1), p. 55–61. doi: 10.1007/s10194-010-0268-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective is to investigate the relationship between migraine and obstructive sleep apnea in the general population. A cross-sectional population-based study. A random age and gender stratified sample of 40,000 persons aged 20–80 years residing in Akershus, Hedmark or Oppland County, Norway, were drawn by the National Population Register. A postal questionnaire containing the Berlin Questionnaire was used to classify respondents to be of either high or low risk of obstructive sleep apnea. 376 persons with high risk and 157 persons with low risk of sleep apnea aged 30–65 years were included for further investigations. They underwent an extensive clinical interview, a physical and a neurological examination by physicians, and in-hospital polysomnography. Those with apnea hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5 were classified with obstructive sleep apnea. Migraine without aura (MO) and migraine with aura (MA) was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. MO and MA occurred in 12.5 and 6.8% of the participants with obstructive sleep apnea. The logistic regression analyses showed no relationship between the two types of migraine and obstructive sleep apnea, with adjusted odds ratios for MO 1.15 (0.65–2.06) and MA 1.15 (0.95–2.39). Further, estimates using cutoff of moderate (AHI ≥ 15) and severe (AHI ≥ 30) obstructive sleep apnea, did not reveal any significant relationship between migraine and the AHI. Migraine and obstructive sleep apnea are unrelated in the general population. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

• Braathen, Geir Julius; Sand, Jette Christensen; Lobato, Pascual Ana; Høyer, Helle & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Genetic epidemiology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth in the general population. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 18(1), p. 39–48. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03037.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristiansen, Håvard Anton; Kvaerner, Kari Jorunn; Akre, Harriet; Øverland, Britt & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Tension-type headache and sleep apnea in the general population. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 12(1), p. 63–69. doi: 10.1007/s10194-010-0265-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between tension-type headache and obstructive sleep apnea in the general population. The method involves a cross-sectional population-based study. A random age and gender stratified sample of 40,000 persons aged 20–80 years residing in Akershus, Hedmark or Oppland County, Norway were drawn by the National Population Register. A postal questionnaire containing the Berlin Questionnaire was used to classify respondents to be of either high or low risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Included in this study were 297 persons with high risk and 134 persons with low risk of sleep apnea, aged 30–65 years. They underwent an extensive clinical interview, a physical and a neurological examination by physicians, and in-hospital polysomnography. Those with apnea hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5 were classified with obstructive sleep apnea. Tension-type headache was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Results showed the prevalence of frequent and chronic tension-type headache was 18.7 and 2.1% in the participants with obstructive sleep apnea. The logistic regression analyses showed no significant relationship between tension-type headache and obstructive sleep apnea, with adjusted odds ratios for frequent tension-type headache of 0.95 (0.55–1.62) and chronic tension-type headache of 1.91 (0.37–9.85). The results did not change when using cut-off of moderate (AHI ≥15) and severe (AHI ≥30) obstructive sleep apnea. Thus, we did not find any significant relationship between tension-type headache and the AHI. The presence and severity of sleep apneas seem not to influence presence and attack-frequency of tension-type headache in the general population. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

• Chaibi, Aleksander; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 12(2), p. 127–133. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0296-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Russell, Michael Bjørn & Ducros, Anne (2011). Sporadic and familial hemiplegic migraine: pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management. Lancet Neurology. ISSN 1474-4422. 10(5), p. 457–470. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70048-5. Full text in Research Archive
• LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER; Saltyte-Benth, Jurate; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Aaseth, Kjersti & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). An adapted Severity of Dependence Scale is valid for the detection of medication overuse: the Akershus study of chronic headache. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 18(3), p. 512–518. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03202.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Le, Han; Tfelt-Hansen, Peer; Russell, Michael Bjørn; Skytthe, Axel; Kyvik, Kirsten Ohm & Olesen, Jes (2011). Co-morbidity of migraine with somatic disease in a large population-based study. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 31(1), p. 43–64. doi: 10.1177/0333102410373159. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyer, Helle; Braathen, Geir Julius; Eek, Anette Kildal; Skjelbred, Camilla Furu & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Charcot-Marie-Thooth caused by a copy number variation in myelin protein zero. European Journal of Medical Genetics. ISSN 1769-7212. 54, p. 580–583. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2011.06.006. Full text in Research Archive
• Hrubos-Strøm, Harald; Randby, Anna; Namtvedt, Silje Kjeka; Kristiansen, Håvard Anton; Einvik, Gunnar & Saltyte-Benth, Jurate [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2011). A Norwegian population-based study on the risk and prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea. Journal of Sleep Research. ISSN 0962-1105. 20(1), p. 162–170. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2010.00861.x. Full text in Research Archive

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• Chaibi, Aleksander; Allen-Unhammer, Anna Jane; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2023). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for acute neck pain: A 4-arm clinical placebo randomized controlled trial. A prospective study protocol. PLOS ONE. 18(12). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295115. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Neck pain poses enormous individual and societal costs worldwide. Spinal manipulative therapy and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug treatment are frequently used despite a lack of compelling efficacy data. This protocol describes a multicentre 4-arm, clinical placebo randomized controlled trial (RCT), investigating the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) versus sham CSMT, ibuprofen, and placebo medicine for acute neck pain. This superiority study will employ parallel groups, featuring a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Material and methods We will randomize 320 participants equally into four groups: CSMT, sham CSMT, ibuprofen, or placebo medicine. CSMT groups are single-blinded, while the medicine groups are double-blinded. Data will be collected at baseline (Day 0), during treatment and post-treatment. The primary endpoint will assess the difference in mean pain intensity from Day 0 to Day 14 on a numeric rating scale 0–10; the CSMT group is compared to sham CSMT, ibuprofen, and placebo medicine groups, respectively. Secondary endpoints will assess mean pain intensity and mean duration at different time points, and adverse events, blinding success, and treatment satisfaction, including comparison between ibuprofen and placebo medicine. Power calculation is based on a mean neck pain rating of 5 at Day 0, with standard deviation of 1 in all groups. Mean pain reduction at Day 14 is expected to be 60% in the CSMT group, 40% in sham CSMT and ibuprofen groups, and 20% in the placebo medicine group. A linear mixed model will compare the mean values for groups with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. P values below 0.017 will be considered statistically significant. All analyses will be conducted blinded from group allocation. Discussion This RCT aims towards the highest research standards possible for manual-therapy RCTs owing to its two placebo arms. If CSMT and/or ibuprofen proves to be effective, it will provide evidence-based support for CSMT and/or ibuprofen for acute neck pain.

• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2022). Ingen ny kunnskap. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 142(7), p. 572–572. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0275. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Stavem, Knut & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2022). Manipulasjonsbehandling mot akutte nakkesmerter? Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 142(1), p. 16–17. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.21.0798. Full text in Research Archive
• Lundqvist, Christofer; Russell, Michael Bjørn; Nordeng, Hedvig Marie Egeland & Eberhard-Gran, Malin (2019). The course of chronic and non-chronic headaches during pregnancy. A population based prospective study from a large pregnancy cohort: The Akershus Birth Cohort- ABC study. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 39, p. 84–84. Full text in Research Archive
• Lundqvist, Christofer; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Eberhard-Gran, Malin (2019). The course of chronic and non-chronic headaches during pregnancy: A population based prospective study. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Stavem, Knut; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2018). The impact of chronic headache on workdays, unemployment and disutility in the general population. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; Aaseth, Kjersti; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2018). Hodepinerelatert livskvalitet før og etter seponering av medikamenter ved medikamentoverforbrukshodepine – Akershus-undersøkelsen av kronisk hodepine. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Stavem, Knut; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2018). Reply to the letter by Min et al. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 38(10), p. 1701–1702. doi: 10.1177/0333102417747213. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyer, Helle; Tveten, Kristian; Røsby, Oddveig; Hilmarsen, Hilde T; Busk, Øyvind & Svendsen, Marit [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2018). A novel AARS variant identified in three CMT2 families. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Benth, Jūratė Šaltytė; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Erratum to 'Adverse events in a chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial for migraineurs'. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. ISSN 2468-8630. 31, p. 21–21. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.06.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Sykdomsbyrde ved primær kronisk hodepine – Akershus-undersøkelsen av kronisk hodepine. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Socioeconomic impact, disability, psychological distress and illness perception of primary chronic headache in the general population – the Akershus study of chronic headache. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). BRIEF INTERVENTION FOR MEDICATION-OVERUSE HEADACHE IN PRIMARY CARE (THE BIMOH STUDY) – AN OPEN LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP. Full text in Research Archive
• LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER; Gossop, Michael; Russell, Michael Bjørn; Straand, Jørund & Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug (2015). Dependence like behaviour in medication-overuse headache. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache in primary care (the BIMOH study): an open long-term follow-up. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache in primary care (the BIMOH study): an open long-term follow-up. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 22, p. 78–78. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Brief intervention for medication-overuse headache in primary care (the bimoh study) – An open long-term follow-up. Full text in Research Archive
• Martelletti, Paolo; Lampl, Christian; Russell, Michael Bjørn & Mitsikostas, Dimos-Dimitrios (2014). Gleaning after the European Headache Federation consensus statement on refractory chronic migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 15(1). doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-75. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2014). EHMTI-0251. Brief intervention for medication-overuse headache in primary care - 1-year follow-up – the BIMOH study. The Journal of Headache and Pain. ISSN 1129-2369. 15, p. C31–C31. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-S1-C31. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2014). Behandlingseffekt og tilbakefall av medikamentoverforbrukshodepine 12 måneder etter behandling i primærhelsetjenesten: En klynge-randomisert kontrollert studie. Full text in Research Archive
• Stovner, Lars Jacob; Sommerfelt, Kristian & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2014). Hodepine, Nevrologi og nevrokirurgi fra barn til voksen, 6.utgave. Forlaget Vett & Viten AS. ISSN 9788241207099. p. 389–401. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; MacGregor, Elizabeth Anne; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Prevalence of Menstrual Migraine in the General Population. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 33(S8), p. 166–166. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Cervicogenic Headache: A Single Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 33(S8), p. 92–93. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2013). Effectiveness of Brief Intervention Performed by GPs for Medication Overuse Headache in Primary Care - A Double-Blinded Pragmatic Cluster Randomised Parallel Controlled Trial. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 33(S8), p. 96–96. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Vetvik, Kjersti; Benth, Jurate Saltyte; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2013). Behandling av medikamentoverforbruks-hodepine – en dobbelt -blindet cluster-randomisert kontrollert parallell studie i primærhelsetjenesten. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Manual Therapies for Chronic Primary Headaches: A Systematic Review. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 33(S8), p. 44–44. Full text in Research Archive
• Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2013). Pericranial Tenderness in Chronic Tension-Type Headache. The Akershus Study of Chronic Headache. Cephalalgia. ISSN 0333-1024. 33(S8), p. 282–282. Full text in Research Archive
• Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Pericranial Muscle Tenderness in a Population Based Sample of Chronic Tension-Type Headache. The Akershus Study of Chronic Headache. Headache. ISSN 0017-8748. 52(5), p. 913–914. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyer, Helle; Braathen, Geir Julius; Busk, O.L.; Holla, OL; Strand, Linda & Skjelbred, Camilla Furu [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2012). Charcot-Marie-Tooth families analysed with high-throughput sequencing. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 19, p. 734–734. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Aaseth, Kjersti; Grande, Ragnhild Berling; LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2012). Self-reported efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in chronic headache subjects in the general population: the Akershus study of chronic headache. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2011). Are Menstrual and Nonmenstrual Migraine Attacks Different? Current Pain and Headache Reports. ISSN 1531-3433. 15(5), p. 339–342. doi: 10.1007/s11916-011-0212-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2011). BRIEF INTERVENTION FOR MEDICATION-OVERUSE HEADACHE - A PILOT STUDY. European Journal of Neurology. ISSN 1351-5101. 18, p. 203–203. Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2011). "Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache - A Pilot Study". Full text in Research Archive
• Kristoffersen, Espen Saxhaug; Straand, Jørund; Russell, Michael Bjørn & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2011). Feasibility of a Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache - a pilot study. Full text in Research Archive
• Chaibi, Aleksander; Tuchin, Peter J. & Russell, Michael Bjørn (2017). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyer, Helle; Russell, Michael Bjørn; Braathen, Geir Julius & Skjelbred, Camilla Furu (2015). Molecular diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in Norway. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788283330380. Full text in Research Archive
• Vetvik, Kjersti; Russell, Michael Bjørn; McGregor, A; MacGregor, Elizabeth Anne & LUNDQVIST, CHRISTOFER (2015). Menstrual migraine in the general population. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788283330052. Full text in Research Archive

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