Headache characteristics in university undergraduates presenting to medical attention

Abstract

A 78-point self-administered questionnaire relating to headaches was completed by 1208 undergraduates of the National University of Singapore. The management and characteristics of the study population that had sought medical consultation for their headaches was studied. The lifetime prevalence of headaches in the study population was 98.1%. One hundred and six (8.8%) had visited a doctor for their headache. These had more severe symptoms and required more pharmacotherapy. They also tended to have migraines rather than tension headaches. Malays were more likely than non-Malays to seek medical attention. No significant gender predisposition was found. Eight of the 106 (7.5%) had been given prophylactic/interval therapy. A significant proportion of the study population responds well to non-prescription medication, suggesting that the purpose of many medical consultations may be to relieve anxieties regarding the diagnosis rather than to obtain symptomatic relief.