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Published on: June 2, 2014
A basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD) is well accepted and useful in the diagnosis of headache. a multicentre
R Jensen1, C Tassorelli, P Rossi
1Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
The basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD) significantly improves diagnostic completeness for primary headaches like migraine. This tool enhances patient diagnosis and management in headache centers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate diagnosis of primary headaches is crucial for effective management.
- Tools to aid in the diagnostic process are valuable for clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and usefulness of the basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD).
- To assess the BDHD's role in diagnosing migraine, tension-type headache, and medication-overuse headache across diverse geographical settings.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 626 patients across nine countries.
- Group 1 patients completed the BDHD for at least one month prior to their clinic visit.
- Group 2 patients received standard clinical interview without the BDHD.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic completeness was significantly higher in the BDHD group (97.7%) compared to the control group (86.8%).
- The median number of diagnoses per patient was higher in the BDHD group.
- The BDHD demonstrated high acceptance rates among both patients and healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- The BDHD is a valuable tool for the diagnostic assessment of common and disabling primary headaches.
- The diary aids in improving diagnostic accuracy and supports effective headache management strategies.
Aims:
We tested the usability and usefulness of the basic diagnostic headache diary (BDHD) for the diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache in European and Latin American countries.
Methods:
Patients were subdivided into two groups according to a 1:1 randomization list. Those in group 1 were sent the BDHD before their first visit to the headache centre and asked to complete it for at least 1 month. Those in group 2 made their first visit to the headache centre without receiving the BDHD.
Results:
A total of 626 patients from nine countries and 16 centres completed the study. The BDHD entries were complete in 97.5% of cases. BDHD information and clinical interview were, when taken together, considered complete for diagnosis in 97.7% of cases in group 1 whereas the information obtained by clinical interview alone in group 2 was considered complete in only 86.8% of cases (p < 0.001). The median number of diagnoses per patient in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (p = 0.04). The BDHD was very well accepted by both patients and doctors.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that the BDHD is a useful tool in the diagnostic assessment of the most frequent and disabling forms of primary headache and in headache management.
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