Predictors of outcome of the treatment programme in a multidisciplinary headache centre.
BACKGROUND
Despite the high prevalence of headaches, multidisciplinary headache clinics are few and their efficacy still needs validation. The objective was to characterise patients and treatment results in a tertiary headache centre.


METHODS
A systematic review of all referred patients in the Danish Headache Centre in a 2-year period. Outcome results were analysed with respect to diagnoses and sociodemographics.


RESULTS
A total of 1326 patients with a mean age of 43.7 years and male : female ratio of 3 : 7 were included. In total, frequency and absence rate from work were reduced from 20 to 11 days (P < 0.001) and 5 to 2 days/month (P < 0.001), respectively. Predictors for good outcome were female gender, migraine, triptan overuse and a frequency of 10 days/month, whereas tension-type headache and overuse of simple analgesics predicted a poor outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The present analysis provided support for a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary headache centre. Further evaluation of specific treatment strategies and outcome predictors are important for future planning.
Jensen
Rigmor
R
Danish Headache Centre, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. rigj@glo.regionh.dk
Zeeberg
Peter
P
Dehlendorff
Christian
C
Olesen
Jes
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics