Treatment of migraine and tension-type headache in Croatia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the treatment patterns of migraine and tension-type headache in the Croatian population. Analysis included the proportion of patients who were taking specific antimigraine therapy and the number of tablets per attack per month, the proportion of patients who were taking prophylactic therapy or using alternative treatment methods and their satisfaction with the treatment. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey. Self-completed questionnaires were randomly distributed to adults >18 years of age in the Croatian population. A total of 616 questionnaires were analyzed: 115 patients with migraine (M), 327 patients with tension-type headache (TTH), and 174 patients with probable migraine (PM) and TTH. Specific antimigraine therapy was taken by half of patients with migraine: 35.7% of patients used triptans and 21.7% ergotamines. Prophylactic treatment had been used by 13.9% of M, 1.2% of TTH, and 6.9% of PM patients. Alternative methods of treatment were tried by 27% of M and TTH patients. Only 16.8% of patients with M pay regular visits to physicians, while 36.3% never visited a physician. More than half of TTH patients have never visited a physician. The majority of patients are only partially satisfied with their current treatment, and almost one-third are not satisfied. Results of this study indicate that the treatment of primary headaches in Croatia should be improved.

A critical review of manual therapy use for headache disorders: prevalence, profiles, motivations, communication and self-reported effectiveness

“…The prevalence of chiropractic use for those with migraine ranged from 1.0 to 36.2% (mean: 14.4%) within the general population [19–21, 48–52] and from 8.9 to 27.1% (mean: 18.0%) within headache-clinic patient populations [53, 54]. The prevalence of chiropractic use for those reported as headache ranged from 4 to 28.0% (mean: 12.9%) within the general population [20, 48, 51, 55–57]; ranged from 12.0 to 22.0% (mean: 18.6%) within headache/pain clinic patient populations [58–60] and from 1.9 to 45.5% (mean: 9.8%) within chiropractic patient populations [61–69]. …”

“…The prevalence use of physiotherapy for those with migraine ranged from 9.0 to 57.0% (mean: 24.7%) within the general population [19, 20, 48, 52] and from 4.9 to 18.7% (mean: 11.8%) within headache-clinic patient populations [54, 70]. The prevalence use of physiotherapy for those reported as headache ranged from 12.2 to 52.0% (mean: 32.1%) within the general population [20, 48] and from 27.8 to 35.0%% (mean: 31.4%) within headache/pain clinic populations [60, 70].…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Headache and Migraine: A Critical Review of the Literature

“…20 As the evidence-base demonstrates, the use and satisfaction with CAM varies among patients suffering from different kinds of headache and migraine. 49 Future research will benefit from differentiating and/or targeting patients suffering from different and specific types or severities of headache and migraine. Together, these design features will strengthen the evidence base of CAM use on this topic and provide a much better picture of CAM consumption for the treatment of headache and migraine.…”

“…[44][45][46] Meanwhile, another survey of adults in Croatia identified 28% of respondents with headache disorders had used CAM (lifetime prevalence). 49 Despite these variations in findings, the studies do indicate Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and homeopathy were the most common therapies reported as used by those suffering from headache and migraine in the studies reviewed. The findings of a large national representative survey suggested that mind-body therapies such as meditation, breathing exercise and yoga were the most common CAM used by US respondents with migraines or severe headaches.…”

“…44 In addition, about 5% of respondents in two of these Italian studies reported CAM treatment as resulting in a deterioration of their condition. 44 46 Finally, Vukovic et al 49 report that satisfaction with CAM varied among patients suffering from different kinds of headache conditions, with 39% of patients with migraine, 60% of patients with tension-type headache, and 41% of patients with probable migraine and tension-type headache reporting satisfaction with their CAM treatment.…”