Prevalence Rates of Primary Headache Disorders and Evaluation and Treatment Patterns Among Korean Neurologists

Abstract

Background and Purpose Several studies have found that the prevalence of migraine is higher among healthcare professionals than in the general population. Furthermore, several investigations have suggested that the personal experiences of neurologists with migraine can influence their perception and treatment of the disease. This study assessed these relationships in Korea. Methods A survey was used to investigate the following characteristics among neurologists: 1) the prevalence rates of migraine, primary stabbing headache, and cluster headache, and 2) their perceptions of migraine and the pain severity experienced by patients, diagnosing migraine, evaluation and treatment patterns, and satisfaction and difficulties with treatment. Results The survey was completed by 442 actively practicing board-certified Korean neurologists. The self-reported lifetime prevalence rates of migraine, migraine with aura, primary stabbing headache, and cluster headache were 49.8%, 12.7%, 26.7%, and 1.4%, respectively. Few of the neurologists used a headache diary or validated scales with their patients, and approximately half were satisfied with the effectiveness of preventive medications. Significant differences were observed between neurologists who had and had not experienced migraine, regarding certain perceptions of migraine, but no differences were found between these groups in the evaluation and preventive treatment of migraine. Conclusions The high self-reported lifetime prevalence rates of migraine and other primary headache disorders among Korean neurologists may indicate that these rates are underreported in the general population, although potential population biases must be considered. From the perspective of neurologists, there is an unmet need for the proper application of headache diaries, validated scales, and effective preventive treatments for patients. While the past experiences of neurologists with migraine might not influence how they evaluate or apply preventive treatments to migraine, they may influence certain perceptions of the disease.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

“…Furthermore, genetic vulnerability, cultural, and environmental factors could account for the variations in prevalence of the MRH across different young women. [41][42][43] Moreover, menstruation itself was reported by 65.1% of the participants as a major triggering factor for the headache attack, which is similar to a population-based study (60%). 17,44 In the present study, sleep disturbance and exam stress 32 Furthermore, MRH attacks occurred in 48 (55.8%) of the respondents during menses within 2-3 days before menses; however, in other studies, the frequency of MRH attacks increased during the 2 days before menstruation.…”

Epicranial headache part 1: Primary stabbing headache

“…the location and duration of stabs). A very recent study reported a 26.7% lifetime prevalence of PSH among neurologists, which ensures a high accuracy of diagnosis (13). This finding supports a high prevalence of PSH in the general population.…”

Genome-Wide Architecture of East Asian Patients With Migraine: A Genome-Wide Association Study Based on Familial History

“…Given the significant burden on modern society caused by migraine, this study was essential to advancing our understanding and treatment of migraine disorders. 7 …”