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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Cephalalgiaphobia as a feature of high-frequency migraine: a pilot study

Authors: Giulia Giannini, Stefano Zanigni, Daniela Grimaldi, Roberto Melotti, Giulia Pierangeli, Pietro Cortelli, Sabina Cevoli

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Cephalalgiaphobia is the fear of having a headache attack during a pain-free period that may induce patients to use analgesic in the absence of pain to prevent headache and to improve their performances. This study aims at assessing if cephalalgiaphobia is related to migraine frequency or medication overuse, and if it is per se a predictor of increase in migraine frequency.

Methods

This is a pilot prospective cohort study on 126 consecutive migraineurs referred to a tertiary Headache Centre. A headache specialist collected data regarding migraine features, frequency and medications at baseline (T0) and 2 years later (T1). Cephalalgiaphobia was investigated at T0 and T1 through a score determined by a 4 items questionnaire.

Results

Moderate-high migraine frequency was associated with higher risk of cephalalgiaphobia (p < 0.001). Chronic migraineurs with medication overuse had higher score of cephalalgiaphobia than those without medication overuse (p < 0.001). Patients with increased migraine frequency between T0 and T1 had higher cephalalgiaphobia score (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cephalalgiaphobia may represent a high-frequency migraine feature and may play a role in chronicization. Therefore, it should be better investigated by clinicians and treated or prevented in order to reduce the risk of disability and the increase in migraine frequency.

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Title: Cephalalgiaphobia as a feature of high-frequency migraine: a pilot study
Authors: Giulia Giannini
Stefano Zanigni
Daniela Grimaldi
Roberto Melotti
Giulia Pierangeli
Pietro Cortelli
Sabina Cevoli
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-14-49

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Cephalalgiaphobia as a feature of high-frequency migraine: a pilot study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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