Headache Prevalence in a Specialized Center

Abstract

Background: Headache is the most frequent neurological complaint in the population and the group of tension-type headaches (TTH) is the most prevalent subtype. Nevertheless, more information about the clinical features of headaches in patients attended at specialized centers are demanded. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data from patients referred to an outpatient specialized headache center from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed and clinical and epidemiological information was collected. This study was authorized by the research ethics committee of the HUUFJF (CAAE 03530818.9.0000.5133). Results: Data from 153 patients were assessed. The mean age of patients was 45,6 years and most cases were women (80,4%). The most frequent diagnosis were migraine (49,7%), TTH (22,8%) and temporomandibular disorders (8,5%). The prevalence of chronic headaches was 46,6%. Analgesic abuse was identified in 32% of participants, with a higher prevalence in women (Fischer’s exact test, P=0,05). Prophylactic treatment was used by 84,3% of the subjects. Pain was self-reported mild in 21,6% of cases, moderate in 30,1% and severe in 47,1%. The pain severity was inversely proportional to age (P=0,012). The most frequent associated symptoms were photophobia (57,5%), phonophobia (56,9%), nausea/ vomiting (47,1%). Conclusions: The findings show important differences in the prevalence of headache cases in specialized centers compared to the general population. Given the high prevalence of analgesic abuse reported, the development of effective educational programs for patients and healthcare providers at primary and secondary health services, might reduce the social burden of chronic headaches and decrease the demand for consultations on specialized headache clinics.