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. 2018 Mar 20;19(1):25.
doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-0854-2.

The epidemiology of headache disorders: a face-to-face interview of participants in HUNT4

Knut Hagen  1   2 , Anders Nikolai Åsberg  3 , Benjamin L Uhlig  3 , Erling Tronvik  3   4 , Eiliv Brenner  5 , Marit Stjern  3   5 , Grethe Helde  3 , Gøril Bruvik Gravdahl  4 , Trond Sand  3   5
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The epidemiology of headache disorders: a face-to-face interview of participants in HUNT4

Knut Hagen et al. J Headache Pain. .

Abstract

Background: The primary aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to evaluate the 1-year prevalence of common headache disorders by a face-to-face interview.

Methods: The fourth wave of Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT4) started in September 2017. The study was undertaken as part of a project mainly focusing on sleep disorders, where a total of 232 (19.3%) out of 1200 invited HUNT4 participants underwent a face-to-face headache interview.

Results: The mean age of the 232 participants was 58.4 years (range 22-89). There were 71.6% (95% CI 65.7-77.4) who reported headache during the last year, and 18.5% (95% CI 13.5-23.6) had suffered from headache in the same period. The 1-year prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) was 43.1% (95% CI 36.7-49.5), of idiopathic stabbing headache 34.1% (27.9-40.2), and of definite migraine 18.1% (95% CI 13.1-23.1). A total of 7.6% (95% CI 4.0-10.7%) had migraine with coexisting TTH. Lifetime prevalence of migraine was 32.8% (95% CI 26.7-38.8). Headache yesterday was reported by 12.1% (95% CI 7.9-16.3), and 5.6% (95% CI 2.6-8.6) had headache during the interview.

Conclusion: In this population-based cross-sectional headache study performed by a face-to-face interview, the 1-year prevalence of TTH was 43.1% and of idiopathic stabbing headache 34.1%. A total of 18.1% had active migraine (18.1%), whereas the lifetime prevalence of migraine was 32.8%.

Keywords: Cluster headache; General population; Idiopathic stabbing headache; Migraine; Prevalence; Tension-type headache.

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