Prevalence of primary headaches in Germany: results of the German Headache Consortium Study

Acute Treatment Patterns, Migraine Burden, and Healthcare Resource Use in People With Migraine: Results From the OVERCOME (EU) Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

The ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment and Care Of MigrainE (OVERCOME) European Union (EU) is part of an overarching population-based study program that also includes the United States and Japan. Here, we report data on the migraine/severe headache burden and the use of acute medication and healthcare resources in Spain and Germany.

METHODS

OVERCOME (EU) was an online, non-interventional, cross-sectional survey conducted in adults in Spain and Germany between October 2020 and February 2021. A total migraine cohort was established based on health survey participants who reported headache/migraine in the last 12 months AND identified as having migraine based on modified International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition criteria OR self-reported physician diagnosis. Data were analyzed for the total migraine cohort and the subcohort with moderate to severe headache attacks, with average pain severity ≥ 5 points, pain duration ≥ 4 h, and at least moderate disability due to migraine [Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score ≥ 11] over the past 3 months.

RESULTS

Pain of moderate or severe intensity was the most frequent symptom in the total migraine cohort (n = 19,103/20,756; 92.0%). Proportions of participants reporting severe disability (MIDAS Grade IV), poorer quality of life (QoL; Migraine-Specific QoL Questionnaire), and higher interictal burden (Migraine Interictal Burden Scale-4), generally increased with number of headache days (HDs)/month. Most participants (92.5%) reported current acute migraine/severe headache medication use, although only 39.0% were using triptans. In the moderate to severe attacks subcohort (n = 5547), 48.4% were using triptans, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs the most common acute medication. The moderate to severe attacks subcohort also reported poorer QoL and greater pain and disability with increasing HDs/month, although severe interictal burden was reported for ~ 60% of participants regardless of HDs/month. Treatment satisfaction (six-item migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire) in those using triptans was generally poor in both total and subcohorts.

CONCLUSION

High migraine-related burden levels were reported, despite use of acute medication. Although triptans are recommended for moderate to severe migraine attacks in Spanish and German guidelines, less than half of participants were using triptans; treatment satisfaction in those using triptans was generally poor. New tailored treatment options may help address unmet needs in current acute treatment.

Evidence for converging pathophysiology in complex regional pain-syndrome and primary headache disorders: results from a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and maladaptive neuroplasticity play pivotal roles in migraine (MIG), trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Notably, CRPS shares connections with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in its pathophysiology. This study aims to assess if the documented links between CRPS and MIG/TAC in literature align with clinical phenotypes and disease progressions. This assessment may bolster the hypothesis of shared pathophysiological mechanisms.

METHODS

Patients with CRPS (n = 184) and an age-/gender-matched control group with trauma but without CRPS (n = 148) participated in this case-control study. Participant answered well-established questionnaires for the definition of CRPS symptoms, any headache complaints, headache entity, and clinical management.

RESULTS

Patients with CRPS were significantly more likely to suffer from migraine (OR: 3.23, 95% CI 1.82-5.85), TAC (OR: 8.07, 95% CI 1.33-154.79), or non-classified headaches (OR: 3.68, 95% CI 1.88-7.49) compared to the control group. Patients with MIG/TAC developed CRPS earlier in life (37.2 ± 11.1 vs 46.8 ± 13.5 years), had more often a central CRPS phenotype (60.6% vs. 37.0% overall) and were three times more likely to report allodynia compared to CRPS patients with other types of headaches. Additionally, these patients experienced higher pain levels and more severe CRPS, which intensified with an increasing number of headache days. Patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatment targeting the CGRP pathway for headaches reported positive effects on CRPS symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study identified clinically relevant associations of MIG/TAC and CRPS not explained by chance. Further longitudinal investigations exploring potentially mutual pathomechanisms may improve the clinical management of both CRPS and primary headache disorders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022961).

The prevalence and clinical features of fibromyalgia in Chinese hospital patients with primary headache: The survey of fibromyalgia comorbid with headache

OBJECTIVE

The aims were to explore the prevalence and clinical features of fibromyalgia in Chinese hospital patients with primary headache.

BACKGROUND

Studies done in non-Chinese populations suggest that around one-third of patients with primary headache have fibromyalgia, but data from mainland China are limited. Investigations into the prevalence and clinical features of fibromyalgia in Chinese patients with primary headache would improve our understanding of these two complex disease areas and help guide future clinical practice.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included adults with primary headache treated at 23 Chinese hospitals from September 2020 to May 2021. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed using the modified 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Mood and insomnia were evaluated employing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Insomnia Severity Index.

RESULTS

A total of 2782 participants were analyzed. The fibromyalgia prevalence was 6.0% (166/2782; 95% confidence interval: 5.1%, 6.8%). Compared to primary headache patients without combined fibromyalgia, patients with primary headache combined with fibromyalgia were more likely to be older (47.8 vs. 41.7 years), women (83.7% [139/166] vs. 72.8% [1904/2616]), less educated (65.1% [108/166] vs. 45.2% [1183/2616]), and with longer-duration headache (10.0 vs. 8.0 years). Such patients were more likely to exhibit comorbid depression (34.3% [57/166] vs. 9.9% [260/2616]), anxiety (16.3% [27/166] vs. 2.7% [70/2612]), and insomnia (58.4% [97/166] vs. 17.1% [447/2616]). Fibromyalgia was more prevalent in those with chronic (rather than episodic) migraine (11.1% [46/414] vs. 4.4% [72/1653], p < 0.001) and chronic (rather than episodic) tension-type headache (11.5% [27/235] vs. 4.6% [19/409], p = 0.001). Most fibromyalgia pain was in the shoulders, neck, and upper back.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of fibromyalgia in mainland Chinese patients with primary headache was 6.0%. Fibromyalgia was more common in those with chronic rather than episodic headache. The most common sites of fibromyalgia pain were the neck, shoulders, and back.

Estimating the prevalence of primary headache disorders in university students: Application of the Croatian version of the HARDSHIP questionnaire

Background:

Studies reporting the prevalence of headaches in Croatia have methodological differences that make it difficult to consolidate their results. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the most common primary headaches in a student population using the standardized HARDSHIP questionnaire (in Croatian).

Methods:

This cross-sectional epidemiological study collected data regarding the 1-year prevalence of headaches in a student population using the diagnostic algorithm of the HARDSHIP questionnaire. The chi-squared test was used to analyze gender differences, and Cramer’s V was used for effect size interpretation.

Results:

The questionnaire was administered to 1350 university students enrolled in health profession programs (81.3% female; 18.7% male; average age: 23 years). The 1-year prevalence of migraine was 38.9% (male: female ratio, 1:1.5), and that of tension-type headache was 35.6% (male: female ratio, 1:0.9). Overall, 91.0% of participants responded positively to the question regarding the incidence of headache in the past 12 months.

Conclusions:

We report a high prevalence of primary headaches among students of health professions in Croatia. The differences in prevalence may be attributed to various sociocultural, geographical, genetic, and methodological differences. Population-specific studies may facilitate a more accurate assessment of headache prevalence and enable more effective targeting of public health activities.

A Digital Therapeutic Allowing a Personalized Low-Glycemic Nutrition for the Prophylaxis of Migraine: Real World Data from Two Prospective Studies

Migraine is a headache disorder associated with a high socioeconomic burden. The digital therapeutic sinCephalea provides an individualized low-glycemic diet based on continuous glucose measurement and is intended to provide a non-pharmacological migraine prophylaxis. We performed two prospective studies with migraine patients who used sinCephalea over a period of 16 weeks. The patients used a headache diary and recorded their migraine-related daily life impairments using the assessment tools HIT-6 and MIDAS for a pre versus post comparison. In addition, continuous glucose data of patients were compared to healthy controls. In both studies, patients reported a reduction of headache and migraine days as well as reductions in HIT-6 and MIDAS scores. More specifically, migraine days decreased by 2.40 days (95% CI [−3.37; −1.42]), HIT-6 improved by 3.17 points (95% CI [−4.63; −1.70]) and MIDAS by 13.45 points (95% CI [−22.01; −4.89]). Glucose data suggest that migraine patients have slightly increased mean glucose values compared to healthy controls, but drop into a glucose range that is below one’s individual standard range before a migraine attack. In conclusion, sinCephalea is a non-pharmacological, digital migraine prophylaxis that induces a therapeutic effect within the range of pharmacological interventions.

Series of isolated sphenoid disease: Often neglected but perilous

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is an uncommon entity and may present with non-specific symptoms. As sphenoid sinus is located adjacent to vital structures, a diseased sphenoid sinus can potentially lead to devastating complications such as cranial neuropathies, cavernous sinus thrombosis and intracranial abscess. Herein, we report a case series of three patients who presented with different localization of headache as their main symptom. Endoscopic nasal assessment showed abnormal nasal cavity findings with mucosal thickening and soft tissue mass occupying the sphenoid sinus revealed by computed tomography (CT) scan. All the sphenoid sinuses were drained via endoscopic approach. Post operatively, antibiotics or anti-fungal were given, however, these three cases displayed the possible variation in severity of this disease. Case 1 had an uncomplicated inflammatory disease of the sphenoid sinus, which is of bacterial origin, while the other two cases had fungal infection. Case 2 achieved disease stability with anti-fungal treatment, but Case 3 had a serious complication after treatment with permanent vision loss. A patient who presents with atypical headache, not responsive to analgesia should be investigated promptly with nasal endoscopic examination and radiological imaging for isolated sphenoid sinus disease to avoid devastating complications.

Results of the gErman migraine PatIent Survey on medical Care and prOPhylactic treatment Experience (EPISCOPE)

Migraine affects about 12% of the worldwide population causing substantial personal and societal burden. Yet, migraine remains underdiagnosed and untreated. EPISCOPE was a web-based survey among a German migraine patient cohort to characterize the medical care and prophylactic treatment status aiming to identify unmet needs. Potential migraine patients were identified via an ID Migraine screener. Their socioeconomic background, medical care experience, acute medication use, as well as use and experience of migraine prophylaxis was assessed by a questionnaire. Data of 29,011 participants was collected. 21,504 participants were identified as migraine patients. Patients with a higher number of monthly migraine days experienced better medical care. However, even among chronic migraine patients, 54% were not consulting a physician, 30% did not feel well-informed about medication overuse and 48% had never tried prophylactic migraine treatment. Among patients receiving prophylactic migraine treatment, up to 33% were not satisfied with their prophylaxis due to insufficient efficacy. Taken together, EPISCOPE describes the largest German migraine patient cohort so far. The survey provides detailed and valuable insight into the current medical care and prophylactic treatment situation in a highly developed European country and identifies reasons why the medical care of migraine patients is still insufficient.

A rational approach to migraine diagnosis and management in primary care

Migraine is a chronic neurologic disease estimated to affect approximately 50 million Americans. It is associated with a range of symptoms, which contribute to disability and substantial negative impacts on quality of life for many patients. Still, migraine continues to be underdiagnosed, undertreated, and optimising treatment for individual patients has proven difficult. As many migraine patients will be seen first in primary care settings, internists and other primary care providers are ideally positioned to improve diagnosis and migraine management for many patients. In this review, we discuss some of the challenges in diagnosing migraine and suggest strategies to overcome them, summarise the current understanding of migraine pathophysiology and clinical evidence on acute and preventive treatment options, and offer practical approaches to diagnosis and contemporary management of migraine in the primary care setting.Key messagesMigraine is a prevalent disease with substantial impact. Primary care providers are ideally positioned to improve care for migraine patients with streamlined approaches to diagnosis and management.A stepwise diagnostic approach to migraine involves taking a thorough headache history, excluding secondary headache, and identifying primary headache disorder using screening tools or ICHD-3 criteria.The FDA approved seven new migraine therapies from 2018 to 2020 (four monoclonal antibodies, two gepants, one ditan), expanding acute and preventive therapeutic options.

Epidemiology, Demographics, Triptan Contraindications, and Prescription Patterns of Patients with Migraine: A German Claims Database Study

Introduction

Migraine is a neurological disease with a considerable economic and societal burden that negatively impacts quality of life and productivity. Triptans are potent serotonin receptor agonists widely used to treat migraine attacks. Little is known about German patients with migraine diagnosed with triptan contraindications or those who discontinue triptans.

Methods

This retrospective observational study identifies adults with migraine from a German sickness fund database (2010–2018). Migraine prevalence was calculated for the database population and extrapolated to the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) population. Medication use, proportion and demographics of patients with triptan contraindications, prevalence of triptan discontinuation and use of triptans by patients with contraindications were analysed.

Results

In total 120,170 patients with migraine were identified in the database population, of whom 77.7% were female; migraine prevalence was 2.0% (male) and 7.3% (female), leading to an extrapolated 2,923,979 patients with migraine in the entire German SHI population (2019); of these, 14.5% had ≥ 1 triptan contraindication. The most frequent contraindication was a history of stroke/transient ischaemic attack. However, an extrapolated 25.9% of patients who had a triptan contraindication received a triptan prescription following diagnosis. We calculated that 975,698 patients in the entire German SHI population had ever received a triptan, of whom 596,364 did not receive a triptan prescription in the follow-up year. Of these 596,364 individuals, 96.6% continued to receive a migraine diagnosis after their last triptan prescription. These ‘triptan discontinuers’ were predominantly female (82.6%). Most patients utilized only one specific triptan, with a large majority of ongoing triptan users who had used this specific triptan receiving > 4 prescriptions.

Conclusion

We confirm the existence of German patients with migraine and unmet therapeutic needs. These are patients diagnosed with triptan contraindications or patients who have discontinued triptan use despite continued migraine attacks. More research is needed to ascertain reasons for triptan discontinuation and the risk of triptan use by patients with contraindications.

Social Impact of Prophylactic Migraine Treatments in Germany: A State-Transition and Open Cohort Approach

OBJECTIVES

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. The most characteristic symptom of migraine is moderate to severe recurrent headache along with other neurological symptoms. In this study, we modeled the potential reduction in migraine days and corresponding avoided productivity losses if erenumab was prescribed to the patient population indicated for prophylactic migraine treatment (≥ 4 monthly migraine days [MMDs]) in Germany from 2020 to the end of 2027.

METHODS

We simulated the incremental benefits of erenumab against the standard of care. Response rates, transition probabilities, discontinuation rates, and productivity estimates were derived from the erenumab clinical trial program. Patients had a probability of residing in 1 of 7 states, given the MMDs in addition to the probability of death. Based on accrued MMDs in every cycle, days of absenteeism and presenteeism for paid and unpaid work were derived. Paid work was monetized according to gross value added using the human capital approach, whereas unpaid work was valuated according to the proxy good method. In addition, downstream macroeconomic effects were captured using value-added multipliers. Direct medical costs were concomitantly calculated.

RESULTS

Our results show that prescribing erenumab for the indicated population in Germany could lead to a reduction of 166 million migraine days annually and reduce productivity losses in the range of €27 billion. This includes €13.1 billion from direct productivity and €13.5 billion from economic value chain effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the macroeconomic effects of a systematic introduction of novel inhibitors of the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway for migraine in Germany.

Headache and migraine in mitochondrial disease and its impact on life-results from a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study

Headache is frequent in patients with mitochondrial disorders. Previous studies point to a higher prevalence of headache in these patients than in the general population. As mitochondrial disorders often present a variety of other symptoms, the question arises how much the presence of headache really influences daily life. We performed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study investigation with 61 patients with a genetically proved mitochondrial disease mainly composed of CPEO phenotype. Headache was examined using a standardized questionnaire, and classified according to ICHD-2. Headache-related disability was evaluated by the Headache-Impact-Test-6 (HIT-6). Additionally, depression and anxiety were examined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Short-Form-Health Survey (SF-12) was used to investigate the health-related quality of life. Headache was reported by 43/61 (70.5%) of the patients. 35/61 patients (57.4%) described a Tension-type headache (TTH) and 26 patients (42.6%) a migraine. Patients reporting headache had a significantly higher HIT-6 score than those without (mean: 54.47 vs. 38.47, p < 0.001). The HIT-6 score was significantly higher in patients reporting a migraine compared to those with a tension-type headache (mean: 62.13 vs. 46.18, p < 0.001). In the HADS score and in the SF-12 were not significantly influenced by the occurrence of headache. This study confirms the previously reported frequent occurrence of headache in a large cohort of patients with a confirmed mitochondrial disease. Migraine had the greatest impact on daily living, which appeared not to be confounded by depression and anxiety. Thus, we conclude that Migraine may be a substantial contributor for burden of disease in patients with mitochondrial diseases.

Headache in multiple sclerosis - pharmacological aspects

For decades, headache was not considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and was construed as a "red flag" for important differential diagnoses such as cerebral vasculitis. Meanwhile, several studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of headache in MS compared to the general population. This is due to the heterogeneity of headache genesis with frequent occurrence of both primary and secondary headaches in MS. On the one hand, MS and migraine are often comorbid. On the other hand, secondary headaches occur frequently, especially in the course of MS relapses. These are often migraine-like headaches caused by inflammation, which can improve as a result of MS-specific therapy. Headaches are particularly common in the early stages of chronic inflammatory CNS disease, where inflammatory activity is greatest. In addition, headache can also occur as a side effect of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Headache can occur with most DMDs and is most frequently described with interferon-beta therapy. The aim of this work is to present the prevalence of headache and describe the heterogeneity of possible causes of headache in MS. In addition, important therapeutic aspects in the treatment of MS patients in general will be presented as well as different approaches to the treatment of headache in MS depending on the etiological classification.

The first prevalence study of primary headaches in adults in a post-conflict area of Serbia

AIM

The aim of the present study was to establish annual prevalence of primary headaches, migraine, and tension-type headache among adults in a post-conflict area of Serbia.

METHODS

The data for this cross-sectional study was obtained via face-to-face interviews using questionnaires specifically designed for this purpose, in line with the available guidelines. The study sample included adults aged 18-65 years whose native language is Serbian with residence in six predominantly Serbian communities in Kosovo and Metohija. Relevant diagnoses were established according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition.

RESULTS

The study included 1062 adults. Analyses indicated 47.7% prevalence of primary headaches. The 1-year prevalence of migraine (with aura and without aura) and tension-type headache was established at 15.2% (3.3% and 11.9%), and 32.2%, respectively. One-year prevalence of chronic headache was calculated at 3.5%, while the prevalence of medication overuse headache was slightly lower at 2.9%. Primary headaches were more prevalent among women, participants residing south of the river Ibar, married or cohabiting individuals, as well as among interviewees (persons) who reported feeling unsafe in Kosovo and Metohija. This is the first study of the prevalence of primary headache disorders in Serbia. The obtained data is comparable to the data available for other countries, especially those in the Balkan region.

Prevalence and risk factors of migraine and non-migraine headache in older people - results of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of migraine and non-migraine headache declines with age.

METHODS

Data from the third visit (2011-2015) of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study were analysed (n = 2038, 51% women, 65-86 years). Possible risk factors for headache activity (obesity, education, smoking, sports, alcohol, partnership status, living alone, having children, sleep quality, depression, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, coronary heart disease, medication), and headache symptoms were assessed. We estimated the lifetime prevalence and the prevalence of current active headache of migraine with and without aura, and non-migraine headache. The associations between possible risk factors and headache activity (active vs. inactive) were estimated by age and sex-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR [95% CI]) using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of migraine was 28.6% (n = 584). One hundred and ninety-two (9.4%) had still-active migraine, 168 (3.5%) had migraine with aura, and 416 (5.9%) had migraine without aura. One hundred and sixty-eight (8.2%) had "episodic infrequent migraine, 0-8 headache days/month", 10 (0.5%) had "episodic frequent migraine, 9-14 headache days/month", and five (0.2%) had "chronic migraine, ≥15 headache days/month". Overall, 10 (0.5%) had "chronic headache, any headache on ≥15 days/month". Female gender and younger age were the most important associated migraine risk factors. Depression (1.62 [1.06; 2.47]) and poor sleep (1.06 [1.00; 1.12]) were associated with migraine and headache activity in general. Antihypertensives were associated with headache remission (0.80 [0.64; 1.00]). Additionally, undertaking less sports (0.72 [0.51; 1.03]) was associated with higher migraine activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Headaches and migraines are not rare in the older population. They are related to mood and sleep disturbance, and migraine even to less physical activity. Antihypertensives are related to headache remission.

[Headache in multiple sclerosis]

The relationship between headache and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been a matter of controversy for over 60 years. Headaches are still rated as a "red flag", indicating alternative diagnoses to MS, although in the last few years numerous studies have shown a frequent association between headache and MS. In recent studies on MS patients, a link was found between lower age/shorter disease duration of MS and frequent headaches. A study of 50 patients manifesting MS for the first time showed the highest headache prevalence in MS of 78% reported so far.Headaches can also be a possible side effect of most disease-modifying MS drugs. In many cases, however, the headache appears to be a symptom of MS in terms of secondary headache. This is also supported by pathophysiological implications, for example, by detecting B cell follicles in the meninges of MS patients.Migraine is the most common type of headache in MS. In some cases, this is a comorbidity of two diseases with many similarities, but headaches caused by inflammatory MS lesions also appear to be phenomenologically very similar to classic migraines; thus, distinguishing between them is often only successful with the help of thorough differential diagnostics (cerebrospinal fluid, MRI etc.).The task of future studies must be to specify the phenomenology of headache in MS even more precisely, in order to, to gain knowledge in, among others, patients with radiologically isolated syndrome, who often suffer from headache, because in these patients a considerable differential diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty exists.

[Tension type headaches : Quo vadis?]

Episodic tension type headache is considered to be the most prevalent primary headache. If tension type headache occurs on more than 15 days per month for at least 3 consecutive months, it is classified as chronic tension type headache. In recent years, it has become obvious that it is difficult to distinguish between episodic tension type headache and a moderate migraine attack and also between chronic tension type headache and chronic migraine. In the paper, we discuss how the differential diagnosis can be more specific and which therapy is supported by the literature. In addition, we discuss differences and similarities of tension type headache and migraine and a possible similar pathophysiology of both (convergence hypothesis).

Migraine and tension-type headache in Germany. Prevalence and disease severity from the BURDEN 2020 Burden of Disease Study

Headache disorders are widespread among women and men in Germany and are primarily associated with restrictions on quality of life. The two most common types of headache disorders are migraine and tension-type headache. In order to gain valid estimates of the prevalence of these conditions, a cross-sectional telephone-based survey was conducted among adults in Germany (N=5,009) between October 2019 and March 2020. The frequency, duration, the characteristics and comorbidities associated with headache were measured using the diagnostic criteria defined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. 57.5% of women and 44.4% of men in Germany stated that they had had a headache in the last twelve months. 14.8% of women and 6.0% of men meet all of the diagnostic criteria for migraine. Tension-type headache affects 10.3% of women and 6.5% of men. Migraine and tension-type headache are predominantly found among people of working age and steadily decrease with age. Migraine is often accompanied by comorbidities such as depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. People affected by headache disorders tend to receive very little professional medical care, with only a minority seeking treatment within a year. These results provide a comprehensive picture of the population-related impact of headache disorders and are used in the BURDEN 2020 study to quantify key indicators for burden of disease assessment.

The socioeconomic burden of migraine: An evaluation of productivity losses due to migraine headaches based on a population study in Germany

Background

This study estimates the socioeconomic impact of migraine headaches on paid and unpaid work productivity in the adult German population in 1 year.

Methods

We used data on headache frequency (days per month) from a longitudinal population-based study. Prevalence estimates of migraine were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Demography data were derived from official statistics in 2017. Aggregate headache days in 1 year were translated to losses in paid and unpaid productive hours based on estimates of presenteeism and absenteeism along with other socioeconomic parameters. Paid hours lost were distributed across the industry sectors. In this way, an age-, gender- and industry sector-specific monetary value was calculated for paid hours lost. Unpaid hours lost were valued by assigning the unpaid activities to their nearest market substitute. In a last step, value-added multipliers derived from input-output tables were used to calculate the economic value chain effects.

Results

A total of 15.5 million persons (20 years or older) suffer from migraine in Germany. Our analysis shows that 60% of those have three or fewer headache days per month, while patients suffering chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month) account for 5.4% of the adult migraine population. Females bear 65% of the total 836 million headache days per year. The socioeconomic losses due to migraine amount to €100.4 billion (€6493 on average per patient) in one year.

Conclusion

In addition to time losses in paid work, migraine causes substantial socioeconomic losses to unpaid work activities due to its disproportionate prevalence among females. Economic value chain effects provide a novel perspective on losses beyond a patient’s time loss. Overall, the elements of socioeconomic burden provide a strong rationale that innovative migraine therapies could be of high value to society.

Administrative prevalence and incidence, characteristics and prescription patterns of patients with migraine in Germany: a retrospective claims data analysis

Background

Migraine is a frequent headache disorder with high disease burden. The aims of this study were to determine the administrative prevalence and incidence of migraine in Germany; and to elucidate disease characteristics, prescription patterns and the patient journey through the German healthcare system.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, adult patients with migraine (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, German modification G43) were identified in the anonymised German Company Sickness Fund database (CSFD) from 2008 through 2016. The administrative prevalence and incidence of migraine were calculated for the total CSFD study population and extrapolated to the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) population. Migraine subtypes, concurrent diagnoses, prescription patterns and visited healthcare professional groups were analysed.

Results

A total of 243,471 patients with migraine were identified in the CSFD (2008–2016); 78.0% were female and 45.3% were aged 35–54 years. The administrative prevalence of migraine, extrapolated to the SHI population, ranged between 2.89% in 2008 and 3.98% in 2016; administrative incidence ranged from 0.587% in 2009 to 0.267% in 2016, and varied between 0.399% and 0.442% during 2011 to 2015. Overall, 29.1% of patients received at least one prescription for any preventive medication listed in the German guideline. Only 7.9% received the same preventive medication for more than 1 year, with 82.9% of these patients discontinuing the medication before study end. Regarding acute medications, 74.2% of prescriptions were for analgesics/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 21.2% were for triptans. General practitioners most commonly diagnosed and treated migraine in the CSFD population. Patients with prescriptions for two or more different preventive therapy classes had higher use of acute and emergency medications, and visited healthcare professionals and hospitals more frequently than patients with no prescriptions or prescriptions for only one preventive therapy class.

Conclusions

The administrative prevalence of migraine in this claims database suggests many patients with migraine did not seek medical care. Of those who did, fewer than one-third received preventive medication, with most patients having been prescribed only one such medication and few having continued treatment beyond 1 year. These outcomes suggest there is scope for improvement in migraine management in Germany.

Primary headache and migraine in headache specialists – does personal history of doctors matter?

Objective

Migraine is a common disorder affecting more than 10% of the population. The prevalence of migraine among physicians and, in particular, among headache specialists is widely unknown as is the impact of suffering from migraine on the attitudes towards migraine and on treatment recommendations of physicians. We designed a survey among headache specialists and neurologists and compared the results to general pain specialists and general practitioners.

Methods

A standardized interview in randomly selected samples of these four groups of physicians was performed. The interview included data on the prevalence of migraine and other primary headache disorders in the physician groups, self-report on their own treatment, attitudes towards migraine, and treatment recommendations for migraine. The prevalence rates were also compared to an age- and sex-matched German general population sample.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of migraine was higher in headache specialists (53.0%) than in general neurologists (43.0%), pain specialists (21.7%), general practitioners (19.3%), and in the general age- and sex-matched population (16.8%). Cluster headache prevalence was high in neurologists (1.9%) and in headache specialists (1.3%); episodic tension-type headache prevalence was significantly lower in general practitioners (19.5%). One reason, among others, was that being a migraine (or cluster headache) patient more often prompted the sufferers to become a specialist in neurology. Physicians with migraine rated the biopsychosocial concept of lower importance for migraine than did physicians without migraine. The self-treatment of migraine in physicians differs from the treatment recommendations to the patients. For example, only 36.4% of the headache specialists with migraine take triptans whereas 94.4% recommend triptans to their patients.

Conclusions

We conclude that being a headache specialist or a neurologist is associated with an increased migraine or cluster headache prevalence. This personal history of migraine leads to a more somatic view of migraine as a disorder and to different treatment recommendations as compared to self-treatment.

The potential role of serum vitamin D level in migraine headache: a case-control study

PURPOSE

Much concern was directed toward exploring the relationship between vitamin D and migraine. There is strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation can decrease frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headache attacks. The aim of this work was to investigate the difference in serum levels of 25 (OH)-vitamin D between patients with migraine and healthy controls, to determine the differences in headache characteristics according to vitamin D status, and to correlate serum 25 (OH)-vitamin D level with duration, frequency, and severity of migraine headache attacks.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a case-control study conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with migraine and 40 healthy controls. History was taken from patients with migraine regarding headache characteristics. Migraine severity scale (MIGSEV) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) were used for migraine assessment. Serum 25(OH)-vitamin D was measured for all patients and controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Patients with migraine had significantly lower 25(OH)-vitamin D serum level in comparison to controls (P-value=0.019). The incidence of aura, phonophobia/photophobia, autonomic manifestations, allodynia, and resistance to medications were significantly higher in migraineurs with vitamin D deficiency than those with normal vitamin D. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between 25(OH)-vitamin D serum level and attack duration in hours (P-value˂0.001), frequency of the attacks/month (P-value˂0.001), MIGSEV scale (P-value=0.001), and HIT-6 scale (P-value=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with migraine had significant vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy controls. Such deficiency significantly affects headache characteristics, duration, frequency, and severity of headache attacks.

Treatment of migraine attacks and prevention of migraine: Guidelines by the German Migraine and Headache Society and the German Society of Neurology

In collaboration with some of the leading headache centres in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, we have established new guidelines for the treatment of migraine attacks and the prevention of migraine. A thorough literature research of the last 10 years has been the basis of the current recommendations. At the beginning, we present therapeutic novelties, followed by a summary of all recommendations. After an introduction, we cover topics like drug therapy and practical experience, non-effective medication, migraine prevention, interventional methods, non-medicational and psychological methods for prevention and therapies without proof of efficacy.

The effects of concurrent Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Purpose

The present study aimed to determine the effects of combined supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 with L-carnitine on mitochondrial metabolic disorders marker and migraine symptoms among migraine patients.

Methods

A total of 56 men and women, between 20–40 years of age with migraine headache, participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day Coenzyme Q10 and 500 mg/day L-carnitine at the same time and/or placebo tablets for 8 weeks. The measurements were completed at the beginning and end of the study. The primary outcome was severity of headache attacks. The secondary outcomes included duration, frequency of headache attacks, the headache diary results (HDR), and serum levels of lactate.

Results

A significant reduction was obtained in serum levels of lactate (−2.28 mg/dl, 95% CI: −3.65, −0.90; p = 0.002), severity (−3.03, 95% CI: −3.65, −2.40; p ≤ 0.001), duration (−7.67, 95% CI: −11.47, −3.90; p ≤ 0.001), frequency (−5.42, 95% CI: −7.31, −3.53; p ≤ 0.001) and HDR (−103.03, 95% CI: −145.76, −60.29; p ≤ 0.001) after 8 weeks.

Conclusion

This double-blind parallel study provides evidences supporting the beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine supplements on serum levels of lactate and migraine symptoms.

Trial registration

IRCT20121216011763N21.

Acupuncture as prophylaxis for chronic migraine: a protocol for a single-blinded, double-dummy randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 1.4%-2.2% of the global population suffers from chronic migraine. Acupuncture may serve as an alternative management for chronic migraine, where pharmacological prophylaxis is not suitable. However, the effects of acupuncture as migraine prophylaxis have not been confirmed. This study is designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared with topiramate in patients with chronic migraine.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to two different groups. Participants will receive verum acupuncture and placebo medicine in the treatment group, while participants in the control group will be treated with sham acupuncture and real medicine (topiramate). All participants will receive a 12-week treatment and then be followed up for another 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the reduction of monthly headache days, and the secondary outcomes include the reduction of the number of days with acute headache medications, and changes of Migraine Disability Assessment, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Headache Impact Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait, and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores from baseline to endpoints.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval of this study was granted by the Research Ethical Committee of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University (2017BL-045-01). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Outcomes of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN13563102; Pre-results.

Poor medical care for people with migraine in Europe - evidence from the Eurolight study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is prevalent everywhere, and disabling. It is also neglected: consequently, it is under-diagnosed and undertreated. We analysed data from the Eurolight study on consultations and utilization of migraine-specific medications as indicators of adequacy of medical care in Europe.

METHODS

Eurolight was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in 10 European countries. Sampling was population-based in six (Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain) and from consecutive patients attending general practitioners (GPs) for any reason in three (Austria, France, UK). Additional samples in Netherlands and Spain, and the only sample from Ireland, were recruited by lay headache organisations. We recorded migraine prevalence and frequency, and utilization of medical services and medications (acute and preventative).

RESULTS

Among 9247 participants (mean age 43.9 ± 13.9 years, M/F ratio 1:1.4), 3466 (37.6%) were diagnosed with migraine (definite or probable). Of these, 1175 (33.8%) reported frequent migraine (> 5 days/month) and might clearly expect benefit from, and therefore had need of, preventative medication. In population-based samples, minorities of participants with migraine had seen a GP (9.5-18.0%) or specialist (3.1-15.0%), and smaller minorities received adequate treatment: triptans 3.4-11.0%, with Spain outlying at 22.4%; preventative medication (1.6-6.4% of those eligible, with Spain again outlying at 13.7%). Proportions were greater in GP-based samples (13.6-24.5% using triptans, 4.4-9.1% on preventative medication) and among those from lay organisations (46.2-68.2% and 16.0-41.7%). Participants with migraine who had consulted specialists (3.1-33.8%) were receiving the best care by these indicators; those treated by GPs (9.5-29.6%) fared less well, and those dependent on self-medication (48.0-84.2%) were, apparently, inadequately treated.

CONCLUSION

In wealthy European countries, too few people with migraine consult physicians, with proportionately too many of these seeing specialists, and migraine-specific medications are used inadequately even among those who do. These findings represent yet another call for action in Europe to improve care for people with headache. Education of both health-care providers and the public should be central to this action.

Burden of migraine in a Kuwaiti population: a door-to-door survey

Background

Migraine prevalence and disability imprints on Kuwaiti population are underreported. We aimed to measure the prevalence of migraine and to assess its burden in Kuwait.

Methods

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted which included biologically unrelated Kuwaiti adult population aged 18–65 years. They were randomly recruited from all six governments of Kuwait using stratified multistage cluster sampling. Trained interviewers visited the samples in door-to-door approach. The Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, and Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire was used to collect the data. Demographic enquires were followed by diagnostic and disability questions.

Results

A total of 15,523 subjects were identified; of whom 3588 (23%) were diagnosed as episodic migraine and 845 (5.4%) as chronic headache. Prevalence of episodic migraine was 31.71% in female versus 14.88% in males (P < 0.01) with a mean age of 34.56 ± 10.17 years. Most of migraine cohort (64.4%) sought medical advice with respect to their migraine headaches and the majority (62.4%) were seen by general practitioners (GPs) while 17.2% were assessed by neurologists and 3.7% was seen by other specialties. Tension type headache and sinus-related headaches were diagnosed in 8.9% and 2.1% of migraine subjects respectively. The majority (94.6%) of migraine subjects used symptomatic drugs for headache attacks, whereas 39.9% were taking preventive medication. In the preceding 3 months to the survey, subjects with episodic migraine had lost a mean of 1.97 days from their paid work or school attendance compared to 6.62 days in chronic headache sufferers (P < 0.001). Additionally, subjects with episodic migraine lost a mean of 1.40 days from household work compared to 5.35 days in subjects with chronic headache (P < 0.001). Participants with episodic migraine and chronic headache missed a mean of 2.81 and 3.85 days on social occasions, in the preceding 3 months (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Migraine in Kuwait is highly prevalent and it has a significant impact on activity of daily living, schooling/ employment and social occasions of patients. Accurate diagnosis, effective abortive and preventive treatments of migraine are paramount to improve quality of life and as well as cost saving.

[Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache]

Tension-type headache is the most frequent form of headache. The local topical treatment with peppermint oil (oleum menthae piperitae) has proven to be significantly more effective than placebo in controlled studies. Peppermint oil targets headache pathophysiology in multiple ways. The efficacy is comparable to that of acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol. Solutions of 10 % peppermint oil in ethanol are licensed for the treatment of tension-type headache in adults and children above 6 years. It is included in treatment recommendations and guidelines by the respective professional societies and is regarded as a standard treatment for the acute therapy of tension-type headaches.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A for the treatment of pain: not just in migraine and trigeminal neuralgia

BACKGROUND

Despite their huge epidemiological impact, primary headaches, trigeminal neuralgia and other chronic pain conditions still receive suboptimal medical approach, even in developed countries. The limited efficacy of current pain-killers and prophylactic treatments stands among the main reasons for this phenomenon. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) represents a well-established and licensed treatment for chronic migraine, but also an emerging treatment for other types of primary headache, trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and an increasing number of pain conditions.

METHODS

We searched and critically reviewed evidence for the efficacy of BoNT for the treatment of chronic pain.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that BoNT potentially represents a multi-purpose drug for the treatment of pain in several disorders due to a favorable safety profile and a long-lasting relief after a single injection.

CONCLUSIONS

BoNT is an emerging treatment in different pain conditions. Future RCTs should explore the use of BoNT injection therapy combined with systemic drugs and/or physical therapies as new pain treatment strategies.

Remission of chronic headache: Rates, potential predictors and the role of medication, follow-up results of the German Headache Consortium (GHC) Study

Objectives To estimate remission rates of chronic headache (CH), focusing on potential predictors of headache remission and medication. Methods We used data from the longitudinal population-based German Headache Consortium (GHC) Study (n = 9,944, 18-65 years). Validated questionnaires were used at baseline (t₀, 2003-2007, response rate: 55.2%), first follow-up after 1.87 ± 0.39 years (t₁, 37.2%) and second follow-up after 3.26 ± 0.60 years (t₂, 38.8%) to assess headache type and frequency, use of analgesics and anti-migraine drugs, medication overuse, education, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. CH was defined as ≥ 15 headache days/month at t₀ over three months. Outcomes were: CH remission (<15 headache days/month at both follow-ups), CH persistence (≥ 15 headache days/month at both follow-ups); all others were considered as partially remitted. To estimate predictors of remission, univariate and multiple logistic regression were calculated. Results At baseline, 255 (2.6%) participants were identified with CH. Of these, 158 (62.0%) participants responded at both follow-ups. Remission was observed in 58.2% of participants, partial remission in 17.7% and persistence in 24.1%. Remission was associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 3.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-9.08) and no medication overuse (4.16, 1.45-11.94) compared to participants with persistent CH; participants with higher headache frequency at t₀ were less likely to remit (0.90, 0.84-0.97). Medication, age, education, BMI, smoking and drinking showed no effects on remission. Similar results were observed for partial remission. Conclusion The majority of CH participants remitted from CH. Female sex, no overuse of pain medication and lower headache frequency were associated with remission.

The PACE study: lifetime and past-year prevalence of headache in Parma's adult general population

Headache is a widespread disorder and therefore it has a strong impact on quality of life. In the present work we focused on lifetime and past-year prevalence of headache in general and by gender, in a population-based sample in Parma. A total of 904 subjects representative of Parma's adult general population were interviewed face-to-face by a physician from the Parma Headache Centre, using a validated questionnaire. The lifetime prevalence of headache was 69.1%, i.e. 75.8% in women and 60.6% in men; the crude past-year prevalence of headache was 42.8%, i.e. 52.0% in women and 31.1% in men. Both lifetime and past-year prevalence rates were significantly higher in females than in males (odds ratio, respectively, 2.0 and 2.4). In our study, past-year prevalence decreased after age 50 in both genders. Most people suffer from one headache subtype. In over 80% of cases, headache starts before age 40 and therefore people were not very likely to develop headache after 50 years. The past-year and lifetime prevalence rate of headache in general that we found in our study falls within the lower range of values for headache prevalence in European countries. Further researches need to be set in the Italian epidemiological background.

Psychiatric Comorbidities and Environmental Triggers in Patients with Chronic Daily Headache: A Lifestyle Study

Objective: Patients with chronic daily headache (CDH) suffer from several significant psychiatric comorbidities and have unhealthy lifestyle. We aimed at studying psychiatric comorbidities, environmental triggers, lifestyle factors, and intensity of CDH in patients referred by the department of neurology from 2011 to 2014. Method: Through medical and psychiatric interviews and using 0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS), we assessed patients with CDH, using a checklist, to elicit psychiatric comorbidities, intensity of CDH, environmental factors, and lifestyle derangement. Results: We interviewed 413 (age 16-80 years, mean 40 +/- 14.0) out of 548 patients; 312 (75.5%) were married, and 282 (68.1%) were female. Environmental triggers (374, 90.6%) were the most common cause of CDH, while 214 (51.8%) had no compliance to recommended nutrition. Exercise avoidance (201, 48.7%) was the less prevalent lifestyle factor. Of the patients, 372 (90.1%) were stressed and 162 (39.2%) had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which were the most and less prevalent psychiatric comorbidities, respectively. Intensity of pain was moderate to severe (mean score = 7.1+/- 1.9), while females reported higher VAS scores (p<0.02). Patients with previous history of psychotherapy reported higher score of VAS (p<0.001). Those patients living with a person suffering from head pain reported more VAS score (p<0.003). Conclusion: Notable psychiatric comorbidities were found in patients with CDH, many of which are modifiable such as environmental triggers and unhealthy lifestyle. In heavily populated cities, these factors may double the burden of the CDH by precipitating new or exacerbating previous psychiatric comorbidities. We, thus, suggest conducting more studies on this subject.

Characteristics of Elderly-Onset (≥65 years) Headache Diagnosed Using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition Beta Version

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

New-onset headache in elderly patients is generally suggestive of a high probability of secondary headache, and the subtypes of primary headache diagnoses are still unclear in the elderly. This study investigated the characteristics of headache with an older age at onset (≥65 years) and compared the characteristics between younger and older age groups.

METHODS

We prospectively collected demographic and clinical data of 1,627 patients who first visited 11 tertiary hospitals in Korea due to headache between August 2014 and February 2015. Headache subtype was categorized according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition Beta Version.

RESULTS

In total, 152 patients (9.3%, 106 women and 46 men) experienced headache that began from 65 years of age [elderly-onset group (EOG)], while the remaining 1,475 patients who first experienced headache before the age of 65 years were classified as the younger-age-at-onset group (YOG). Among the primary headache types, tension-type headache (55.6% vs. 28.8%) and other primary headache disorders (OPH, 31.0% vs. 17.3%) were more common in the EOG than in the YOG, while migraine was less frequent (13.5% vs. 52.2%) (p=0.001) in the EOG. Among OPH, primary stabbing headache (87.2%) was more frequent in the EOG than in the YOG (p=0.032). The pain was significantly less severe (p=0.026) and the frequency of medication overuse headache was higher in EOG than in YOG (23.5% vs. 7.6%, p=0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Tension-type headache and OPH headaches, primarily stabbing headache, were more common in EOG patients than in YOG patients. The pain intensity, distribution of headache diagnoses, and frequency of medication overuse differed according to the age at headache onset.

Prevalence of primary headache disorders in a population aged 60 years and older in a rural area of Northern China

BACKGROUND

Primary headache disorders are among the most common neurological complaints worldwide, and are significant causes of disability. Data are limited on the prevalence of primary headaches among individuals aged 60 years and older in China. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of primary headaches among people aged 60 years and older in a rural area of northern China.

METHODS

A door-to-door survey was conducted in Ji County of Tianjin Province. A total of 5248 residents aged 60 years and older were visited from 2014 to 2015, unannounced, and basic sociodemographic and headache diagnostic information was collected via a questionnaire. Primary headache was classified tension-type headaches, migraines, chronic headache, and unclassified headache.

RESULTS

The 1-year prevalence for primary headaches in Ji county is 10.30 %. The 1-year prevalence of tension-type headaches, migraines, chronic headache, and unclassified headache is 2.02 %, 0.85 %, 3.79 %, and 3.63 %. The 1-year prevalence of primary headache was higher in women than in men. The 1-year prevalence of primary headache was decreased with increasing age. The 1-year prevalence of tension-type headaches and chronic headache were decreased with higher education. Headache in the elderly was mild to moderate and not serious.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population older than 60 years of age in rural, northern China, we found the 1-year prevalence of primary headache was 10.30 %, of tension-type headaches was 2.02 %, of migraines was 0.85 %, of chronic headache was 3.79 %, and of unclassified headache was 3.63 %. The prevalence of all of these was much lower than those observed in previous studies examining prevalence rates in the general population. The results of our study also indicated that women are more likely to have primary headache than men. We also found that chronic headache was frequent among the elderly. Participants with higher education levels were more predisposed than healthy participants to tension-type headaches. We also found that respondents who did not participate in social activities had a decreased predisposition for primary headache in general, as well as for unclassified headache. Lastly, we found that participants who had heart disease were more likely than healthy participants to experience primary headache, tension-type headache, chronic headache, and unclassified headache.

Chronic migraine: risk factors, mechanisms and treatment

Chronic migraine has a great detrimental influence on a patient's life, with a severe impact on socioeconomic functioning and quality of life. Chronic migraine affects 1-2% of the general population, and about 8% of patients with migraine; it usually develops from episodic migraine at an annual conversion rate of about 3%. The chronification is reversible: about 26% of patients with chronic migraine go into remission within 2 years of chronification. The most important modifiable risk factors for chronic migraine include overuse of acute migraine medication, ineffective acute treatment, obesity, depression and stressful life events. Moreover, age, female sex and low educational status increase the risk of chronic migraine. The pathophysiology of migraine chronification can be understood as a threshold problem: certain predisposing factors, combined with frequent headache pain, lower the threshold of migraine attacks, thereby increasing the risk of chronic migraine. Treatment options include oral medications, nerve blockade with local anaesthetics or corticoids, and neuromodulation. Well-defined diagnostic criteria are crucial for the identification of chronic migraine. The International Headache Society classification of chronic migraine was recently updated, and now allows co-diagnosis of chronic migraine and medication overuse headache. This Review provides an up-to-date overview of the classification of chronic migraine, basic mechanisms and risk factors of migraine chronification, and the currently established treatment options.

Tinnitus and Headache

BACKGROUND

Tinnitus and headache are frequent disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of headache among tinnitus patients is purely coincidental or whether tinnitus and headache are pathophysiologically linked. We investigated a large sample of patients with tinnitus and headache to estimate prevalence rates of different headache forms, to determine the relationship between tinnitus laterality and headache laterality, and to explore the relationship between tinnitus and headache over time.

METHOD

Patients who presented at a tertiary referral center because of tinnitus and reported comorbid headache were asked to complete validated questionnaires to determine the prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache and to assess tinnitus severity. In addition, several questions about the relationship between headache and tinnitus were asked.

RESULTS

Datasets of 193 patients with tinnitus and headache were analysed. 44.6% suffered from migraine, 13% from tension-type headache, and 5.7% from both. Headache laterality was significantly related to tinnitus laterality and in the majority of patients fluctuations in symptom severity of tinnitus and headache were interrelated.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a significant relationship between tinnitus and headache laterality and symptom interaction over time and argue against a purely coincidental cooccurrence of tinnitus and headache. Both disorders may be linked by common pathophysiological mechanisms.

Prevalence of primary headache disorders diagnosed according to ICHD-3 beta in three different social groups

Background

The aim of our study was to estimate the one-year prevalence of primary headache disorders in three different social groups using the third edition beta of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta).

Material and methods

The study population included a total of 3124 participants: 1042 students (719 females, 323 males, mean age 20.6, age range 17–40), 1075 workers (146 females, 929 males, mean age 40.4, age range 21–67) and 1007 blood donors (484 females, 523 males, mean age 34.1, age range 18–64). We used a semi-structured, validated face-to-face interview.

Results

The age-adjusted one-year prevalence of migraine in females was significantly higher ( p < 0.001) in students (41.9%) than in workers (19.2%) and blood donors (18.7%). Age-adjusted prevalence of migraine among males did not differ among the three groups: 4.5% in students, 4.9% in workers and 4.5% in blood donors. Age-adjusted prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) among females was almost the same in students and blood donors (68.8% and 66.7%) but female workers had a lower prevalence of TTH (57%). Age-adjusted prevalence of TTH among males did not differ significantly between students and blood donors (55.8% and 58.1%) but male workers had a significantly lower ( p < 0.001) prevalence of TTH (30.7%). The prevalence of chronic headache in students (TTH and/or migraine) was 3% and of probable medication-overuse headache 3%, significantly more than in workers and blood donors.

Conclusion

Headache prevalence was high and differed markedly among the three social groups. It is important that headache epidemiology also focus on socially defined groups in order to target future preventive efforts.

Update of chronic tension-type headache

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of primary headaches, and its chronic form, chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), is affecting 0.5 to 4.8 % of the worldwide population. Although the mechanism underlying CTTH remains unclear, the role of central versus peripheral mechanisms has always been discussed while explaining the pathogenesis of CTTH. There is always a debate on differential diagnosis between CTTH and chronic migraine without aura which are regarded as different aspects of chronic daily headache spectrum because of many similarities and fuzzy boundaries. Compared with pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological treatments have been popular as alternative interventions for CTTH in recent years. This review summaries the update knowledge on CTTH and discusses the most interested questions regarding pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of CTTH.

The relationship between different fatty acids intake and frequency of migraine attacks

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a primary headache disorder that affects the neurovascular system. Recent studies have shown that consumption of some fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids improves migraine symptoms. The aim of the present study is to assess the association between usual intake of fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) with the frequency of migraine attacks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

105 migraine patients with age ranging from 15 to 50 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Usual dietary consumption was assessed by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Moreover, frequency of migraine attacks during 1 month period was determined in all participants. Data had been analyzed using independent sample t-test and linear regression test with adjustment of confounding variables.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that lower intake of EPA (β = -335.07, P = 0.006) and DHA (β = -142.51, P = 0.001) was associated with higher frequency of migraine attacks. In addition, we observed similar relationship either in men or women. No significant association was found between dietary intake of SFA and the frequency of migraine attacks (β = -0.032, P = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of migraine attacks was negatively associated with dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. No significant relationship was found between SFA intake and migraine frequency. Further studies are required to shed light on our findings.

Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and C-reactive protein in migraine patients

BACKGROUND

Migarine is the most common headache around the world including Iran. In recent years, Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to a global health problem. A few studies have been determined inverse association between serum levels of Vitamin D with a headache. So, in this study, we investigated the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms and C-reactive protein (CRP) among patients with migraine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was randomized, double-blind, and controlled-placebo clinical trial. Sixty-five migraine patients aged 10-61 years were included for analysis. Vitamin D was administrated for 10 weeks with 50,000 IU dosage of Vitamin D per week. Multivariate analysis of covariate and univariate analysis of covariate were done to determine the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on symptoms, including severity, duration, frequency of headache, and the headache diary result (HDR).

RESULTS

Mean headache frequency and HDR had significant difference among two groups (5.9 ± 7.0 vs. 7.0 ± 6.0, P = 0.06 and 85.0 ± 134.2 vs. 132.1 ± 147.1, P = 0.04). But, a mean difference of headache frequency was marginally significant (P = 0.06). These values were lower among the intervention group compared to placebo group. The association was not observed between CRP with migraine disease.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we shown Vitamin D supplementation may be useful in decreasing frequency of headache attacks and HDR among patients with migraine.

Effects of pyridoxine supplementation on severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks in migraine patients with aura: A double-blind randomized clinical trial study in Iran

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a chronic disease that affects nearly 6% of men and 18% of women worldwide. There are various drugs, which can successfully decrease migraine symptoms and frequency of migraine attacks, but these drugs usually are expensive. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effects of pyridoxine supplementation on severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks as well as headache diary results (HDR).

METHODS

This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 66 patients with migraine with aura (MA) in Khorshid and Emam Mosa Sadr clinics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2013. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either pyridoxine supplements (80 mg pyridoxine per day) or placebo. Severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks and HDR were measured at baseline and at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 34.24 ± 9.44 years old. Pyridoxine supplementation led to a significant decrease in headache severity (-2.20 ± 1.70 compared with -1 ± 1.50; P = 0.007), attacks duration (-8.30 ± 12.60 compared with -1.70 ± 9.60; P = 0.030) and HDR (-89.70 ± 134.60 compared with -6.10 ± 155.50; P = 0.040) compared with placebo, but was not effective on the frequency of migraine attacks (-2.30 ± 4 compared with -1.20 ± 7.80; P = 0.510).

CONCLUSION

Pyridoxine supplementation in patients with MA was effective on headache severity, attacks duration and HDR, but did not affect the frequency of migraine attacks.

The association between stress and headache: A longitudinal population-based study

Introduction

We studied the association between stress intensity and headache frequency for tension-type headache (TTH), migraine and migraine with coexisting TTH (MigTTH).

Method

We studied a population-based sample of 5159 participants (21–71 years) who were asked quarterly between March 2010 and April 2012 about headache and stress. Log-linear regression in the framework of generalized estimating equations was used to estimate regression coefficients presented as percent changes to describe the association between stress intensity (modified visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100) and headache frequency (days/month) stratified by headache subtypes and age groups and adjusted for sex, age, frequent intake of acute pain drugs, drinking, smoking, BMI and education.

Results

TTH was reported in 31% participants (48.1 ± 12.5years, 51.5% women, 2.2 ± 3.9 mean headache days/month, 52.3 ± 26.7 mean stress), migraine in 14% (44.8 ± 11.3years, 73.3%, 4.5 ± 5.2 days/month, 62.4 ± 23.3), MigTTH in 10.6% (43.5 ± 11.5 years, 61.0%, 3.6 ± 4.8 days/month, 58.6 ± 24.1), 23.6% were unclassifiable, and 20.8% had no headache. In participants with TTH an increase of 10 points on VAS was associated with an increase of headaches days/month of 6.0% (adjusted). Higher effects were observed in younger age groups (21–30/31–40/41–50/51–60/61–71 years: 9.8/10.2/7.0/6.5/3.5%). Slightly lower effects were observed for migraine (4.3%, 8.1/5.1/3.4/6.3/0.3%) and MigTTH (4.2%, 5.5/6.8/6.9/5.8/–0.7%).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for an association between stress intensity and headache frequency.

Current treatment options in vestibular migraine

Approximately 1% of the general population in western industrialized countries suffers from vestibular migraine. However, it remains widely unknown and often under diagnosed despite the recently published diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine. Treatment trials that specialize on vestibular migraine are scarce and systematic randomized controlled clinical trials are now only emerging. This review summarizes the knowledge on the currently available treatment options that were tested specifically for vestibular migraine and gives an evidence-based, informed treatment recommendation with all its limitations. To date only two randomized controlled treatment trials provide limited evidence for the use of rizatriptan and zolmitriptan for the treatment of vestibular migraine attacks because of methodological shortcomings. There is an ongoing multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial testing metoprolol 95 mg vs. placebo (PROVEMIG-trial). Therefore, the therapeutic recommendations for the prophylactic treatment of vestibular migraine are currently widely based on the guidelines of migraine with and without aura as well as expert opinion.

Use of orthopedic manual physical therapy to manage chronic orofacial pain and tension-type headache in an adolescent

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is frequently associated with multiple headache types. While the efficacy of orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) intervention for TMD with/without headache symptoms has been investigated, it has received less attention than other musculoskeletal conditions. This case describes the OMPT treatment and outcome of a 14 year-old female with a 2-year history of facial pain surrounding the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and bilateral occipital and temporal tension-type headaches (TTHs). Intervention included manual mobilization of the TMJ and surrounding cervical/facial soft tissue structures, postural re-education, and patient/family education on prevention, self-treatment, and postural adaptations. Outcomes included pain free and maximal mouth opening (MMO), pressure pain threshold (PPT) over the masseter muscle belly, fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire-physical activity subscale (FABQ-PA), jaw pain and function questionnaire (JPFQ), visual analog pain scale (VAS) for facial pain, and headache frequency, duration, and intensity on a VAS. Results included increased pain free and MMO by 22 mm, improved PPT bilaterally by 403.05 kPa on the affected, and 360.88 kPa on the unaffected side, and decreased reported headache frequency, duration, and intensity. Score decreases of 5 points on VAS with MMO, 8 points on FABQ-PA, and 5 points on JPFQ were also noted. Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of OMPT on pain processing and functional outcomes in patients with TMD and headache.