Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - Feb 1, 2009

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Putzki N, Pfriem A, Limmroth V, Yaldizli O, Tettenborn B, Diener H, Katsarava Z. Prevalence of migraine, tension-type headache and trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis. European journal of neurology : the official journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies 2009; 16:262-7.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
European journal of neurology : the official journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies 2009; 16
Publication Date
Feb 1, 2009
Issn Electronic
1468-1331
Pages
262-7
Brief description/objective

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-beta, 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.