Journal of the Neurological Sciences | 2019
Reflection of the burden of headache and facial pain on the community and underlying pathologies: A prospective study from benghazi libya
Abstract
Background Headache is the most common cause of neurological referral. An International Classification for headache produced by the International Headache Society (IHS) is regularly updated. Objectives The aims of the study were to define prospectively the clinical and economic burden of the different types of headache and cranio-cervical pains in 202 patients referred to Benghazi neurological clinics. Methods 202 adult Libyan patients with headache referred to the neurology clinics and emergency rooms of Benghazi Teaching Hospitals, Libya, (80males and 122 females) were studied prospectively both clinically and using a questionnaire. Results Stress was a prominent trigger for headache in 91.6%, the most common comorbidity was arterial hypertension in 27.7%. The most common single primary headache was migraine in 47%,followed by tension headache in 20.8%, both types occurred in 6.4% patients, and the most common single causes of secondary headaches were sinusitis 9.4% and cervicogenic headache 8.9%, analgesia excess headache occurred in 27.7%. Genetic phenotypes were found in 11.9% patients and epilepsy in 16.3%. Most of the patients were highly educated 62.6% but, only 42.6% had an economical status consistent with a professional of their educational level. The patients who were aware that headache prophylaxis is possible were 31.7% and 62.3%were imaged. Further analysis of the headache types, trigger and relieving factors and management was performed in this study. Conclusion Educating students, medical and paramedical staff into the various aspects of the pathophysiology and management of headaches and facial pains can have huge economical and health-related beneficial impact.