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Smartphone use and primary headache: A cross-sectional hospital-based study
Pratik Uttarwar1, Deepti Vibha1, Kameshwar Prasad1
1Department of Neurology (PU, DV, KP, AKS, AKP) and Department of Biostatistics (SND), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Neurology. Clinical Practice
|February 1, 2021
Summary
Smartphone use in patients with primary headaches was linked to needing more acute medication and experiencing less relief. Further research is needed to confirm these findings on headache management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Primary headache disorders are prevalent globally.
- Increasing smartphone use raises concerns about potential health impacts, including neurological symptoms.
- Understanding the relationship between digital device usage and headache exacerbation is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smartphone usage and the onset or increased severity of headaches in individuals with primary headache disorders.
- To explore differences in acute medication requirements and prophylactic treatment between smartphone users and non-users.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2017 to December 2018.
- Patients with primary headaches were categorized into smartphone users (SUs) and non-smartphone users (NSUs).
- Data on headache characteristics, medication use, and treatment response were collected via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- The study included 400 patients (194 NSUs, 206 SUs).
- Smartphone users reported a higher incidence of aura and a greater need for analgesics, with less headache relief from medication.
- High smartphone usage correlated with increased medication intake and poorer treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone use is associated with increased acute medication requirements and diminished treatment efficacy in patients with primary headaches.
- The findings suggest a link between smartphone habits and headache management challenges.
- Longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these associations and explore causality.
