Trigger factors in primary headaches subtypes: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary centre in Greece

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that common headache triggers contribute to the onset of headache attacks on predisposed individuals and are considered important in the prevention of headache. The aim of this study was to compare the different characteristics of triggers among the most common primary headache subtypes (migraine without aura, migraine with aura and tension type headache).MethodsA total of 116 headache patients of the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Athens were selected according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headaches—3nd Edition Beta. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire that contained 35 potential trigger factors.ResultsThe findings showed that migraine and tension-type headache patients report multiple triggers, on a frequent but variable basis. The most frequent triggers reported by all subjects were stressful life events followed by intense emotions. The same applies to both genders, as well as the three headache subgroups. Patients suffering from migraine with aura reported the highest mean number of trigger per person and the highest frequency in almost all the trigger categories. Furthermore, patients with migraine with aura were more likely to report the following triggers: oversleeping, premenstrual period, stressful life events, hot/cold weather, relaxation after stress, menstruation, wind, intense emotions, shining, hunger and bright sunlight. These associations were mostly independent of the sociodemographic characteristics and the presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe sensitivity to trigger factors should be considered by both clinicians and headache sufferers.

Management of headache and associated factors among undergraduate medicine and health science students of University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia

“…Headache disorders, mainly the primary including migraine, tension type and cluster, are considered as major global health problems due to their high prevalence, chronicness and their substantial disability burden upon the sufferers [ 1 , 2 ]. The socioeconomic impact of headache is worsened by sufferers’ low tendency of seeking medical care for their headache despite the high prevalence [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Recurrent headache is a risk factor for future chronic headache and other pain syndromes [ 17 ]. The risk of developing headache is greater in individuals with a family history, smoking, high body mass index, sleeping problems, substance abuse, oversleeping, premenstrual period, stressful life events, hot/cold weather, menstruation, hanger and others [ 1 , 18 – 20 ].…”

Dispensing patterns of antimigraine agents with a focus on seasonal variations in prescribing

“…Although not all studies could find a link between weather factors and migraine [8,9], some studies have reported a significant correlation [5,10,11]. In a study conducted in Greece [3], the literature review highlighted the following most frequently mentioned trigger factors: stress, skipping meals, sleep deprivation and weather changes [12][13][14]. Examples of weather trigger factors were temperature changes, high humidity, high winds, sun glare and bright light, barometric pressure changes, stormy weather and extremely dry conditions [15,16].…”

“…Migraine was ranked as the third most prevalent disorder and seventh-highest specific cause of disability worldwide in the Global Burden of Disease Survey 2010 [2]. The term "headache (or migraine) trigger" is used to describe a stimulus that alone or in combination, contributes to the onset of a headache (or migraine) attack on predisposed individuals [3]. Knowledge about migraine trigger factors is important in the management of migraine because the avoidance of these factors may result in better control of the disorder [4].…”

“…Knowledge about migraine trigger factors is important in the management of migraine because the avoidance of these factors may result in better control of the disorder [4]. Various trigger factors have been identified, for example [3,5] dietary factors, hormonal factors, sleep habits, environmental factors, stress levels and participation in certain activities (such as exercise).…”