Research: GAUL and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 192

Abstract

GAUL and COLLEAGUES, Headache Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrase 55, 45147 Essen, Germany. charly.gaul@gmx.de investigated the outcome of a 5-day headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment program (MTP) and the adherence to treatment recommendations including drug, relaxation and aerobic sports regimens.

Background

Methodology

This study investigated the outcome of a 5-day headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment program (MTP) and the adherence to treatment recommendations in 295 prospectively recruited consecutive headache patients [210 migraine, 17 tension-type headache (TTH), 68 combination headache, including 56 medication-overuse headache (MOH)].

Results

Headache frequency decreased from 13.4 (+/-8.8) to 8.8 (+/-8.0) days per month after 12-18 months. Forty-three percent of the participants fulfilled the primary outcome (reduction of headache frequency of >=50%), which was less likely in patients with combination of migraine and TTH compared to migraine (OR=3.136, p=0.002) or TTH (OR=1.029, n.s.). Increasing number of headache days per month (OR=1.092, p<=0.0001) and adherence to lifestyle modifications (OR=1.269, p=0.004) predicted primary outcome. 51 of 56 MOH patients were treated successfully. Thirty-five percent of the patients were adherent to pharmacological prophylaxis, 61% to relaxation therapy, and 72% to aerobic endurance sports.

Conclusion

MTP is effective in headache treatment. Adherence to therapy was associated with better outcome.

References

Gaul C, van Doorn C, Webering N, Dlugaj M, Katsarava Z, Diener HC and Fritsche G. Clinical outcome of a headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment program and adherence to treatment recommendations in a tertiary headache center: an observational study. Journal of Headache & Pain. 12(4): 475-83. AugĀ  2011. Other ID Source: NLM. PMC3139052.

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