The brain structure and function alterations in tension-type headache: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of tension-type headache (TTH), as well as propose avenues for future neuroimaging studies of TTH. METHODS: From the inception dates to May 1, 2020, a systematic literature will search in Medline (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid SP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and 4 Chinese databases without limitation on language or publication. Additionally, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform , reference lists, and relevant gray literatures will be searched. After screening of eligible references, included studies will be determined according to included criteria, and then data extraction and a methodological quality assessment with a customized checklist will be conducted. Each process will be independently implemented by 2 reviewers, any disagreement will be resolved by consensus to the third researcher. If the extracted data is feasible, anisotropic effect-size version of signed differential mapping will be conducted to perform the meta-analysis of the structural and functional brain alterations in TTH patients.