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Diagnostic delays and mis-management in cluster headache
1Headache Group, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK. peterg@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|February 7, 2004
Summary
Diagnosis times for cluster headache have improved, but patients still see multiple doctors. Better physician education is needed to reduce suffering from this primary headache disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder.
- It is less common than migraine but can be disabling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the time to diagnosis for cluster headache.
- To identify factors influencing diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Direct interviews with 230 cluster headache patients.
- Data sourced from national support groups and a specialized headache clinic.
Main Results:
- The male to female ratio is 2.5:1.
- Episodic cluster headache (ECH) affects 79% of patients; chronic cluster headache (CCH) affects 21%.
- Mean diagnosis time decreased from 22 years (1960s) to 2.6 years (1990s), with an average of three GPs consulted.
Conclusions:
- Time to cluster headache diagnosis has significantly improved.
- Patients still consult multiple physicians, indicating a need for better physician education.
- Enhanced education can reduce patient suffering from cluster headache.