Migraine in junior high-school students: A prospective 3-academic-year cohort study

Migraine is a common childhood illness with expected favorable outcome. A study of the long-term clinical course of childhood migraine will provide information of evolution of migraine. A cohort study for 3-academic-year was conducted in Thai junior high-school children from July 2005 to February 2008 to determine the clinical course of migraine. Two hundred and forty-eight students in four junior high schools diagnosed with migraine according to ICHD-II in July 2005 were recruited. Each student was serially evaluated twice yearly from 7th grade during each semester of the academic year until the second semester of 9th grade. Determination of the characteristics, severity, frequency, and treatment of headache were obtained by questionnaire and direct interview. At the final evaluation, clinical course of headache was categorized into seven patterns. Among enrolled students, 209 (84.3%) completed the study. Twenty-eight (13.5%) students had no recurrent headache while that of 153 (73.5%) improved. No improvement of migraine and worsened migraine were observed in four students (1.8%) and 24 students (11.2%), respectively. Spontaneous remission and avoidance of precipitating causes contributed to relief of migraine in the majority of the students. Stress-related daily school activities and inadequate rest were reported as common precipitating factors among students with non-improving or worsening outcome. Chronic daily headache and tension-type headache was observed in 6 and 30 students, respectively. This study confirms that clinical course of migraine in schoolchildren is benign. Frequency and intensity of headache can be reduced with reassurance and appropriate guidance. Early recognition and appropriate prevention of migraine attack will decrease the risk of chronic migraine and disease burden.     

Prevalence of migraine, tension-type headache and trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis

Background:  Prevalence rates of headache in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients varied widely in recent studies. This study aimed to investigate the 1 year prevalence of headache in MS compared with the general population.
Methods:  Population-based case–control study in Germany.
Results:  We included 491 patients with definite MS (68% female, mean age 45.3 years, 63.7% relapsing remitting MS, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.2, 106 treated with interferon-β, 53 with glatiramer acetate, 271 untreated) and 447 age and gender matched controls. Headache was diagnosed with a validated questionnaire according to the International Headache Society Criteria. Headache prevalence was 56.2% (tension type headache 37.2%, migraine 24.6%). Headache prevalence rates did not differ from controls. Headache was not associated with disability or treatment. Trigeminal neuralgia was found in 6.3% of MS cases.
Conclusion:  Results suggest that headache in MS patients reflects comorbidity in most conditions.     

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of migraine in France

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of migraine and related headache types in France. METHODS: The authors recruited a population of subjects with headache representative of the national population using a stratified sampling method. They screened 10,585 subjects aged 15 and older who were representative of the general population. They identified 1,486 of these as having headaches, and these subjects were subsequently interviewed for information on clinical features, natural history, and functional impact of headache. The authors categorized subjects based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification and assessed disability using the MIDAS questionnaire. RESULTS: The authors found a standardized prevalence for migraine (IHS categories 1.1 and 1.2) of 7.9% (11.2% for women and 4.0% for men) and 9.1% for migrainous disorder (IHS category 1.7). Migraine attacks were associated with a considerable degree of handicap in activities of daily living, with a MIDAS grade distribution of 74.7% (grade 1), 13.3% (grade 2), 7.7% (grade 3), and 4.3% (grade 4). The prevalence of migraine with MIDAS grade 3 or 4 was 1.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of migraine (IHS categories 1.1 and 1.2) in France is 7.9%, and that of total migraine is 17.0%; this does not seem to have evolved over the past 10 years.     

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of headache in university students

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies regarding headache are abundant in developed countries; however, the data in developing countries are scarce. This study aims to detect the prevalence and clinical features of headache in Gaziosmanpasa University students in Tokat, Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 2168 subjects were selected with randomized stratified sampling, and 92.5% of them participated in the study (2023 students). Two neurologists from our medical faculty interviewed and examined the students with headache. Assessment was done according to The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. RESULTS: In our study, 22.64% of the students had tension-type headache (TTH), 17.89% had migraine headache, 0.29% TTH plus migraine headache, 0.20% had cluster and variants type of headache. Migraine type of headache was more common in females than in males (p=0.0001); however, no significant difference was present between males and females who had migraine with aura and tension-type headache. DISCUSSION: The clinical features of tension-type headache and migraine in our university students were similar to the ones of general population and to the studies conducted on university students.     

Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Tension-Type Headache in Korea

Background and Purpose

The epidemiology and impact of headache disorders are only partially documented for Asian countries. We investigated the prevalence and impact of migraine and tension-type headache - which are the two most common primary headache disorders - in a Korean population.

Methods

A stratified random population sample of Koreans older than 19 years was selected and evaluated using a 29-item, semistructured interview. The questionnaire was designed to classify headache types according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition, including migraine and tension-type headache. The questionnaire also included items on basic demographics such as age, gender, geographical region, education level, and income, and the impact of headache on the participant.

Results

Among the 1507 participants, the 1-year prevalence of all types of headaches was 61.4% (69.9% in women and 52.8% in men). The overall prevalence rates of migraine and tension-type headaches were 6.1% (9.2% in women and 2.9% in men) and 30.8% (29.3% in women and 32.2% in men), respectively. The prevalence of migraine peaked at the age of 40-49 years in women and 19-29 years in men. In contrast to migraine, the prevalence of tension-type headache was not influenced by either age or gender. Among individuals with migraine and tension-type headache, 31.5% and 7% reported being substantially or severely impacted by headache, respectively (Headache Impact Test score ≥56). Overall, 13.4% of all headache sufferers reported being either substantially or severely impacted by headache.

Conclusions

The 1-year prevalence rates of migraine and tension-type headache in the studied Korean population were 6.1% and 30.8%, respectively. One-third of migraineurs and some individuals with tension-type headache reported being either substantially or severely impacted by headache.     

Increased headache prevalence in female adolescents and adult women with early menarche. The Head‐HUNT Studies

Background: Age at menarche is associated with cardiovascular events and lifestyle factors such as body mass index (BMI), certain women’s diseases like breast cancer and endometriosis and with occurrence of certain physical symptoms during puberty. It is unclear whether age at menarche is an independent determinant of headache. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore age of menarche in relation to headache prevalence in a large population‐based study of both adolescents and adult women (HUNT). Methods: In the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study in Norway 1995–97 (HUNT 2), a total of 26 636 (57%) of 46 506 invited women responded to questions regarding menarche and headache (Head‐HUNT). In the youth part of HUNT 2, 3196 female students were interviewed about their headache complaints and 2766 (87%) responded to questions regarding menarche. All the final analyses were adjusted for age, use of oral contraceptives and BMI, and for adults also for educational level. Results: Headache was more prevalent amongst females with menarche ≤ 12 years, both amongst adolescents (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.5) and adults (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.1–1.2), evident for migraine and non‐migrainous headache. Conclusion: Headache, both migraine and non‐migrainous headache, was more prevalent amongst both adolescents and adult females with early menarche. Early menarche may increase headache susceptibility, or be a consequence of a common pathogenetic factor, e.g., sensitivity to estrogens.     

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of headache in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: experience from a tertiary epilepsy center

The comorbidity of headache and epilepsy is often seen in neurological practice. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, types of, and risk factors for headache in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). We assessed a total of 200 patients and 100 healthy controls in our study. Headache was classified in participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Demographical, clinical features and headache characteristics were recorded. Seizure and headache temporal profiles were noted. Headache was present in 111 (56%) patients and 50 (50%) healthy participants. From these patients, 47 (42.3%) JME patients had migraine [30 (27%) migraine without aura (MO), 17 (15.3%) migraine with aura (MA)], 52 (46.8%) had tension type headache (TTH), 4 (3.6%) had both migraine and TTH, and 8 (7.2%) had other non-primary headaches. In the healthy control group, migraine was detected in 16 (32%) subjects, TTH in 33 (66%), both migraine and TTH in 1 (2%) subject. A positive migraine family history and symptom relief with sleep were more frequent in JME patients (p?=?0.01). Headache was classified as inter-ictal in 82 (79.6%) patients and peri-ictal in 21 (20.4%) patients. In conclusion, the present study revealed that headache frequency was not significantly different between JME patients and healthy controls (p?>?0.05). However, migraine frequency was higher in JME patients than healthy controls. Some migraine and TTH characteristics were different in between groups. We suggest that our results support both genetic relationship and shared underlying hypothetical pathopysiological mechanisms between JME and headache, especially migraine.     

Prevalence and characteristics of migraine in medical students and its impact on their daily activities

Background:

Migraine is a common neurological disorder with significant impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of migraine headaches in medical students, to measure its impact on their life, and to assess their knowledge about the ailment. Information about lifestyle variables was also collected.

Materials and Methods:

All medical students who confirmed of having headache for more than 1 year formed the study group. Students filled a detailed questionnaire focusing on demographics, pain characteristics, accompanying factors, triggers, and family history of migraine. Lifestyle variables were enquired and migraine associated disability was assessed by MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment). The diagnosis of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society criteria. Results are expressed in n = numbers and percentage.

Results:

Sixty-eight percent of medical students had headache. The prevalence of migraine in the whole cohort was 28%; however, of the headache group, migraine constituted 42%. There was a female preponderance. One-fourth of the students had weekly or daily attacks with 31% students reporting increase in their headache intensity and frequency. Forty-four percent of students had severe headaches. Dizziness, allodynia, and neck stiffness were reported as accompanying symptoms. Trigger factors were identified in 99% students, predominant of which were poor sleep hygiene, environmental changes, head movements, and mental stress. Only 4% of students did regular exercise. Twenty-seven percent of students reported self-medication use of analgesics. One-fourth of the students had migraine-associated disability but only 6% realized that they had migraine.

Conclusion:

Our study found a high prevalence of headache with migraine in medical students. The students’ awareness of the disease was very low with one-fourth of the students resorting to self-medication. Our study identified previously less-recognized triggers like head movement and accompanying symptoms like neck stiffness. Migraine-attributed burden was high in medical students.     

Frequency of headache and migraine in Qatar

BACKGROUND: Headache is a worldwide problem that affects all ages. To date there are no epidemiological data regarding headaches in Qatar. AIM: The aim of this study was to use the International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria to estimate the prevalence of migraine and headache in an adult population. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING: The study was carried out at 12 Primary Health Care Centers during the period from October to December 2004 in Qatar. SUBJECTS: Of the 1,200 subjects who were approached to participate in this study, 913 gave their consent, representing a response rate of 76.1%. METHODS: Subjects were selected by a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used the IHS criteria for migraine. Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits, exacerbating factors, warning symptoms, associated features, family history and associated factors. RESULTS: Of the studied subjects, 54.9% were males and 45.1% females. The prevalence of headache and migraine among men was 67.9%, 7.8%, and among women 78.2%, 8.0%, respectively. Subjects aged 25-34 years had higher prevalence of headache comparing to other age groups (27.3%). Prevalence of headache was higher in women. Subjects with less than a high school education had higher frequency of headache (49.1%). The most common warning symptoms prior to headache were abnormal vision (53.0%) and weakness (30.4%). Stress (71.8%) and weather (49.5%) made headache worse in subjects. The majority of the headache sufferers looked for a dark (33.7%) and quiet place (74.5%) to rest. CONCLUSION: Headachedisorders constitute a public health problem in a newly developed Qatari society, due to fast urbanization. More women suffered from headache and migraine than men. The study revealed that there was a strong association between hemoglobin level and headache and its severity. Furthermore, the prevalence of headache and migraine in Qatar is higher than in Western and African countries.     

Prevalence of headache and migraine in children and adolescents: a systematic review of population‐based studies

Aim The aim of this study was to review systematically the prevalence of headache and migraine in children and adolescents and to study the influence of sex, age, and region of residence on the epidemiology. Method We systematically searched the literature in electronic databases to cover the period between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2007. We assessed and included population‐based studies on epidemiology of headache and migraine in children and adolescents if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) reporting on unselected childhood population; (2) reliable methods of data collection using a questionnaire or face‐to‐face interviews; (3) using the International Headache Society’s (IHS) criteria (1988 or 2004) for the diagnosis of migraine; and (4) provision of sufficient and explicit data for analysis. We used Excel, Stata, and Confidence Interval Analysis software. Results We identified and analysed 50 population‐based studies reporting the prevalence of headache and/or migraine in children and adolescents (<20y). The estimated prevalence of headache over periods between 1 month and lifetime in children and adolescents is 58.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58.1–58.8). Females are more likely to have headache than males (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.48–1.6). The prevalence of migraine over periods between 6 months and lifetime is 7.7% (95% CI 7.6–7.8). Females are more likely than males to have migraine (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.60–1.75). Regional differences in prevalence of migraine, though statistically significant, may not be of clinical significance. The change in the IHS’s criteria for the diagnosis of migraine was not associated with any significant change in the prevalence of migraine. Interpretation This study confirms the global high prevalence of headache and migraine in children and adolescents. Sex, age, and regional differences are evident.     

Depression and anxiety disorders associated with headache frequency. The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study

The aim of this large cross‐sectional population‐based study was to examine the association between migraine, non‐migrainous headache and headache frequency with depression, and anxiety disorders. From 1995 to 1997, all 92 566 inhabitants aged 20 years and above in Nord‐Trøndelag County in Norway were invited to participate in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (‘Helseundersøkelsen i Nord‐Trøndelag’ = HUNT‐2). A total of 64 560 participated, whereof 51 383 subjects (80%) completed a headache questionnaire that was included. Of these 51 383 individuals, 47 257 (92%) completed the depression subscale items and 43 478 (85%), the anxiety subscale items of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations were assessed in multivariate analyses, estimating prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Depression and anxiety disorders as measured by HADS, were significantly associated with migraine (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 2.3–3.2; OR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.8–3.6) and non‐migrainous headache (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 2.0–2.5; OR = 2.7, 95% CI 2.4–3.0) when compared with headache‐free individuals. The association was stronger for anxiety disorders than for depression. The ORs for depression and anxiety disorders amongst both migraine and non‐migrainous sufferers increased with increasing headache frequency. Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with both migraine and non‐migrainous headache, and this association seems more dependent on headache frequency than diagnostic category.     

Childhood periodic syndromes: a population-based study

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and relative risk of symptoms suggestive of childhood periodic syndrome in migraine, migraine subtypes, and tension-type headache, relative to control subjects. The target population was all children (age 5-12 years) enrolled in public elementary schools in one Brazilian city (n = 2173). Consent was obtained for 1994 children; analyzable data were available for 1906 children, for a final sample of 1113 children with migraine, tension-type headache, or no headache. Parents were interviewed using validated questionnaires. Headache diagnosis was assigned according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. Relative risk of symptoms was drawn by headache categories relative to controls. For episodic migraine, the relative risk of all symptoms except nocturnal enuresis was significantly increased: motion sickness, recurrent limb pain, recurrent abdominal pain, and parasomnias, such as sleep talking, somnambulism, and bruxism. For tension-type headache, only nocturnal enuresis and motion sickness were not more common than in controls. In multivariate analyses, any interictal symptom was independently associated with any headache (P < 0.001), migraine headaches (P < 0.001), and tension-type headaches (P < 0.01). These findings indicate that interictal symptoms suggestive of childhood periodic syndromes are common in the population, and are associated with migraine and specific migraine subtypes, but also with tension-type headache.     

Precipitating or aggravating factors for headache in patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the common precipitating or aggravating factors for headache among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and to compare precipitating or aggravating factors specifically for migraine with those for other headaches. METHODS: Consecutive psychiatric outpatients with MDD in a medical center were enrolled. Headaches were diagnosed based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition. A 21-item self-report questionnaire was used to identify precipitating or aggravating factors. Subjects were divided into migraine and other-headache groups. RESULTS: Of 122 subjects (76% female) with headache, 63 (51.6%) were diagnosed with migraine. Mental stress and depressive symptoms were the most common precipitating or aggravating factors, and 17 factors affected >50% of the subjects. Compared with other-headache groups, the migraine group was more sensitive to emotional and perceptional stimuli and to the stress of daily activities. CONCLUSION: Treatment of depression and education of depressed patients about how to cope with mental stress might help to eliminate the negative impact of headache.     

Prevalence of headache among children and adolescents in Shanghai,China

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of headache subtypes and headache-specific disability among children and adolescents in Shanghai, China, and to assess the validity and reliability of the ID-migraine questionnaire in this population. Of 4812 students who completed the questionnaire, 466 (9.68%) had experienced a headache in the past 3 months. Of the 466 headache sufferers, 44.85% were classified as having migraine. The proportion of migraine varied with age from 23.29% to 43.48%, and high proportions were found at ages 14 years and 15 years. The average proportion of: tension-type headache was 29.18%, and the proportions of cluster and other headache were 6.22% and 19.74%, respectively. According to the Paediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Score classification, the percentage of headache sufferers with grade I disability ranged from 40.54% to 71.43% across age groups and was 61.24% overall. The overall sensitivity of the ID-migraine screening questionnaire was 39.71% and the specificity was 46.63%.     

Lay versus expert interviewers for the diagnosis of migraine in a large sample of elderly people

OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between lay interviewers and experts in the diagnosis of migraine by questionnaire. SUBJECTS: A population based sample of 1188 individuals aged 64 to 73 years. METHODS: Participants who declared that they had recurrent headaches (n = 238) answered a structured questionnaire by lay interviewers with special training in migraine. A migraine expert subsequently interviewed all the headache sufferers using the same questionnaire. Migraine was defined according to the International Headache Society criteria. RESULTS: In comparison with the expert, the diagnosis derived by the lay interviewers had high values for specificity (97%) and positive predictive value (86%), and a low sensitivity (50%) and negative predictive value (57%). Agreement between the expert and the lay interviewers was low, with a kappa value of 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.47). The most serious discrepancies concerned the duration of attacks, the worsening of headaches by physical activity, the presence of nausea or vomiting, and the unilaterality of headaches. As a result, the lifetime prevalence of migraine headaches was greatly underestimated by lay interviewers (6.5%) in comparison with the expert (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A low level of agreement between lay interviewers and a headache expert in the diagnosis of migraine headaches by structured questionnaire may result in a substantial underestimation of migraine prevalence.     

Epidemiology of migraine and other types of headache in Asia

Earlier studies have raised the issue that Asians have a much lower migraine prevalence than Westerners. This article reviews the recent epidemiologic studies of headache in Asia using International Headache Society (IHS) classification criteria. Except for the Korean study and the first Hong Kong study (1992 to 1993), the prevalence of migraine has been quite consistent, ranging from 8.4% to 12.7%. The sex-specific migraine prevalence was 11.3% to 14.4% in women and 3.6% to 6.7% in men. The prevalence of IHS tension-type headache has also been similar among these studies (15.6% to 25.7%). The consistency of the prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache among these Asian countries is interesting in a region where the cultural background and development are so diverse. These IHS migraine surveys show that migraine is a significant disease in Asia and that its prevalence rate is close to but in the low range of the those reported in Western countries. Two surveys of chronic daily headache conducted in Taiwan, one in the general population and the other in the elderly population, have also revealed prevalence rates (3.2% to 3.9%) similar to those of Western countries (3.0% to 4.7%). The geographic or ethnic diversity of migraine or other types of headache could be downplayed if a similar epidemiologic methodology and an identical case definition were used in the surveys among different regions of the world.     

在校高中生功能性头痛患者抑郁障碍的调查研究

目的探讨在校高中生功能性头痛患者中焦虑/抑郁障碍的发生率及其特点,为临床治疗提供依据。方法入选对象分为病例组66例,对照组59例,均采用Zung氏焦虑自评量表和抑郁自评量表进行匿名测试,并附加要求注明性别、年级、病程、伴随症状以及农村或非农村家庭。结果焦虑、抑郁评分病例组明显高于对照组(P<0.01)。病例组与对照组相比,焦虑发生率分别为12.12%和0(P<0.05),抑郁发生率分别为48.48%和6.78%(P<0.01),焦虑者同时伴抑郁病例组中,有伴随症状者焦虑/抑郁障碍发生率明显较多(P<0.05);绝大多数焦虑/抑郁障碍患者均为病程1个月以上(P<0.01);高三患者焦虑、抑郁障碍发生率最高(P<0.05、0.01);男女相比以及城乡家庭相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论在校高中生长时间的功能性头痛可引起焦虑/抑郁障碍,其发生率与病程、年级和是否伴随症状明显相关,而与性别、家庭无关。对头痛患者潜在焦虑/抑郁障碍的常规筛查有利于对这种共病的及早发现、及早干预和提高疗效。     

Migraine headache in patients with Tourette syndrome

BACKGROUND: Tourette syndrome (TS) is recognized as one of the most common childhood movement disorders, characterized by motor and phonic tics often associated with neurobehavioral comorbidities, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neurotransmitter dysregulation, particularly involving the serotonin system, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of TS, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and migraine headache. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible association between migraine headache and TS and to report preliminary findings of family history of migraine headache in patients with TS. METHODS: Subjects diagnosed as having TS at the Baylor College of Medicine Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic were administered a migraine headache questionnaire based on the migraine criteria established by the Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. RESULTS: Of 100 patients with TS, 25 (25.0%) satisfied the diagnostic criteria for migraine headache, significantly greater than the estimated 10% to 13% in the general adult population (P<.001) and the estimated 2% to 10% in the general pediatric population (P<.04). There was no significant (P =.44) difference in the presence of comorbid obsessive-compulsive traits in the TS migraine and TS nonmigraine sample groups. Furthermore, our TS group with migraines was not more likely to have features of obsessive-compulsive disorder compared with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Of patients with TS, 56.0% reported a family history of migraines, 44.0% of whom were first-degree relatives. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of migraine headache in a clinic sample of TS subjects was nearly 4-fold more than the frequency of migraines reported in the general population. Contrary to previous reports, the co-occurrence of migraines and TS in our sample group may possibly be attributed to another TS comorbidity, other than obsessive-compulsive traits.     

The prevalence and severity of insomnia in university students and their associations with migraine,tension-type headache,anxiety and depression disorders: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is possibly an association between migraine, tension-type headache, anxiety, depression and insomnia. These conditions are prevalent among university students. Our primary objective was to verify whether students with primary headaches (migraine and tension-type headache) have a higher prevalence of insomnia. Our secondary objective was to assess whether the impact of headaches was associated with greater severity of insomnia.MethodsCross-sectional study. 440 students out of 3030 were randomly selected. A semi-structured questionnaire containing information about the characteristics of the headaches, including their frequencies in the last 3 months; the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6); the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; and the Insomnia Severity Index were used.Results420 students (95.5%) agreed to participate; 51.4% men; median age of 21 (19, 23); 95 (22.6%) had insomnia; 265 (63.1%), migraine; 152 (36.2%), tension-type headache; 201 (47.9%) suffered from anxiety and 108 (25.7%), from depression. The severe impact of headache (HIT-6>55 points; OR = 3.9; p = 0.003) and anxiety (OR = 3.6; p = 0.003) were associated with insomnia (logistic regression). The severity of insomnia was positively and significantly correlated with the impact (HIT-6 score), with frequency of headache, and with having anxiety (multiple linear regression).ConclusionsThe diagnoses of migraine and tension-type headache are not associated with the presence of insomnia. The severity of insomnia is associated with the impact and the frequency of the headaches.     

Headache is associated with lower alcohol consumption among medical students

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between headache and alcohol consumption among medical students. 480 medical students were submitted to a questionnaire about headaches and drinking alcohol. Headache was assessed by ID-Migraine and functional disability was evaluated with MIDAS. The evaluation of alcohol consumption was assessed with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). There was significantly lower proportion of students with drinking problem among students with headache. This occurred both among students classified as having migraine and among those who had non-migrainous headache. There was not a correlation between functional disability of headache and AUDIT score. Our data suggest that having headache leads to a reduction in alcohol consumption among medical students regardless the degree of headache functional impact.