title: Quality of life in primary headache disorders: A review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is emerging as an important element of clinical research in primary headache disorders, allowing a measure of the impact of headache on patients' well-being and daily life. A better understanding of this may contribute to improved resource allocations and treatment approaches.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to review available data on HRQoL in primary headache disorders and identify any influencing factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Database searches including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE were performed. Studies that investigated HRQoL in patients with primary headache disorders were included and reviewed. Trials that evaluated the efficacy of medications or interventions were excluded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 80 articles were included in the review. Both physical and emotional/mental aspects of HRQoL were impaired across headache subtypes, although the extent varied depending on headache type. A number of factors influencing HRQoL were also identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This narrative review suggests that headache, particularly in its chronic form, has a great impact on HRQoL. Clinical practice should not solely focus on pain alleviation but rather adopt routine assessment of HRQoL. Furthermore, identification and management of associated psychological comorbidities, which can significantly influence HRQoL in headache sufferers, are essential for optimal clinical management.
authors.affiliation: Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
authors.forename: Norazah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abu Bakar
authors.affiliation: Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
authors.forename: Surat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanprawate
authors.affiliation: Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lambru
authors.affiliation: Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience & Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
authors.forename: Mariam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torkamani
authors.affiliation: Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience & Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
authors.forename: Marjan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jahanshahi
authors.affiliation: Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK m.matharu@uclmail.net.
authors.forename: Manjit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matharu
mesh_terms: D004644:Emotions; D051270:Headache Disorders, Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Primary headache disorder; chronic daily headache; cluster headache; migraine; quality of life; tension-type headache