Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Impact of comorbidity on headache-related disability
K Saunders1, K Merikangas, N C P Low
1Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative, 1730 Minor Ave., Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. saunders.k@ghc.org
Neurology
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Comorbid conditions significantly contribute to role disability in migraine and severe headache sufferers. These co-occurring conditions explain a substantial portion of the disability experienced by individuals with these headache types.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Migraine and severe headaches are prevalent conditions associated with significant disability.
- The role of comorbid conditions in explaining this disability is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the extent to which comorbid conditions explain role disability in migraine versus other severe headaches.
- To investigate the association between headaches and comorbid mental disorders, other pain conditions, and physical diseases.
Main Methods:
- A probability sample of 5,692 US adults was interviewed.
- Diagnostic criteria for migraine and mental disorders were established using standardized classifications.
- Role disability was measured using World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule questions.
Main Results:
- Migraineurs and those with other severe headaches had high rates of comorbidity (83% and 79%, respectively).
- Migraineurs and non-migraine headache sufferers showed increased risks for mental disorders, other pain, and physical diseases compared to headache-free individuals.
- Comorbid conditions explained 65% of role disability in migraine and 100% in other severe headaches.
Conclusions:
- Comorbidity is a critical factor in understanding the disability burden associated with migraine and other severe headaches.
- Addressing comorbid conditions may be essential for managing disability in headache patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...