Predictors of outcome of the treatment programme in a multidisciplinary headache centre.

INTRODUCTION

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.

SUBJECTS AND 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.