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The Journal of Headache and Pain

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Cluster Headache | Research

One-year prevalence of cluster headache, hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT in Norway: a population-based nationwide registry study

Author: Knut Hagen

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

There is lack of population-based studies evaluating the prevalence of paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the gender-specific 1-year prevalence of cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks.

Methods

A nationwide study was conducted from January 1 2022 and December 31 2022 by linking diagnostic codes from Norwegian Patient Registry and prescription of relevant drugs from Norwegian Prescription Database on an individual basis. The 1-year prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks are estimated based on the combination of diagnostic codes, prescription of drugs and corresponding reimbursement codes.

Results

Among 4,316,747 individuals aged ≥ 18 years, the 1-year prevalence per 100,000 was 14.6 (95% CI 13.5–15.8) for cluster headache, 2.2 (95% CI 1.8–2.7) for hemicrania continua, 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.8) for paroxysmal hemicrania, and 1.2 (95% CI 0.8–1.4) for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks. For all the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgies, cluster headache included, the prevalence was higher for women than men.

Conclusions

In this nationwide register-based study, we found a 1-year prevalence per 100,100 of 14.6 for cluster headache, 2.2 for hemicranias continua, 1.4 for paroxysmal hemicranias, and 1.2 for short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks. This is the first study reporting higher prevalence of cluster headache for women than men.

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Title: One-year prevalence of cluster headache, hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT in Norway: a population-based nationwide registry study
Author: Knut Hagen
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Cluster Headache
Headache
Verapamil
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01738-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

One-year prevalence of cluster headache, hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT in Norway: a population-based nationwide registry study

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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