The usefulness and applicability of a basic headache diary before first consultation: results of a pilot study conducted in two centres.
We tested the usefulness and applicability of a simplified headache diary in the diagnosis of migraine (M), tension-type headache (TTH) and medication overuse headache (MOH). The diary was given to headache patients before their first consultation at the headache centre. Seventy-six naive headache patients completed the study. Their understanding of the diary proved highly satisfactory. The patients' level of compliance was also good, with 71% returning the diary completely filled in. The data entered in the diary were deemed complete for the diagnostic purpose in 93% of cases. The level of agreement between headache information gathered through clinical interview and the headache diary was satisfactory. When comparing the diary with the clinical interview, sensitivity was 92% for M, 75% for TTH and MOH. Specificity was 58% for M and TTH, 87% for MOH. Combined use of a diagnostic diary and clinical interview is recommended from the first consultation for headache.
Tassorelli
C
C
University Centre for the Study of Adaptive Disorders and Headache (UCADH), IRCCS 'C. Mondino Institute of Neurology' Foundation, Pavia, Italy. cristina.tassorelli@mondino.it
Sances
G
G
Allena
M
M
Ghiotto
N
N
Bendtsen
L
L
Olesen
J
J
Nappi
G
G
Jensen
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult