From 1980 through 1989, the prevalence of chronic migraine headaches in the United States increased nearly 60%, from 25.8 per 1000 persons (1) to 41.0 per 1000 persons (Table 1). Most (71%) of the increase occurred among persons less than 45 years of age.- In each year, the prevalence of migraine headaches was greater among women than men in each age group (Table 1). In addition, the rate of change was greater among women: from 1980 through 1989, the prevalence among women less than 45 years of age increased 77%, compared with a 64% increase among men.
- Chronic migraine headaches are classified either as “common” or “classical.” Manifestations of the common migraine headache include nausea, dizziness, fever, and general malaise. The classical migraine headache is most noted for an aura that immediately precedes the headache. In addition, the classical migraine headache is characterized by a relatively short duration (less than or equal to 12 hours) compared with the common migraine headache (up to 4 days)
- It is caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head.
- Tension-type headache (TTH): TTH is the most common primary headache disorder.Episodic TTH is reported by more than 70% of some populations; chronic TTH affects 1-3% of adults
- Cluster Headache (CH): A primary headache disorder. CH is relatively uncommon affecting fewer than 1 in 1000 adults, affecting six men to each woman
- Medication-overuse headache (MOH): MOH is caused by chronic and excessive use of medication to treat headache.
