Headaches amongst pool players.

BACKGROUND

Pool-players' headache is a newly described entity. We studied the prevalence and risk factors for the development of headaches amongst pool players.

METHODS

We obtained demographic information, history of pre-existing headaches, frequency and duration of pool-playing, history of pre-existing headaches and their subtypes, competitive pool-playing and worsening or development of headaches amongst pool-players at 2 pool centers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Two hundred and three players, of mean age 22.6 (SD 7.7 years), participated in this study. Of the 21 respondents who reported headaches when playing pool, 11 (52.4%) had pre-existing headaches and 10 (47.6%) had no pre-existing headaches. Age and history of pre-existing headaches were significantly associated with worsening of headaches.

CONCLUSION

Pool-players are susceptible to the development of headaches. Avoidance and reduction in the frequency of pool-playing may reduce the frequency of headaches amongst pool players.