title: Validity of family history data on severe headache and migraine.
abstract: This study evaluated the validity of family history data on severe headache and migraine obtained from adult probands with epilepsy in a family study of seizure disorders. We compared the probands' reports of severe headaches and migraines in their parents and full siblings with symptom-based diagnoses based on self-reports. Overall sensitivity was 48% for severe headache and 44% for migraine. When we used reports of severe headaches to screen for migraine headaches in the relatives, sensitivity was 56%. These results indicate that severe headache and migraine are underreported in family history interviews with first-degree relatives. To obtain accurate information on headaches in families for clinical practice and genetic research, direct interviews with each relative may be required.
authors.affiliation: G.H. Sergievsky Center, School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ottman
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Lipton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009679:Nuclear Family; D010290:Parents; D012737:Sex Factors