THE ZURICH STUDY .23. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEADACHE SYNDROMES IN THE ZURICH COHORT STUDY OF YOUNG-ADULTS

This study examines the 1 year prevalence rates of headache syndromes in an epidemiologic cohort study of young adults ages 29-30 in Zurich, Switzerland. The 1 year prevalence rates of headache subtypes were 3. 3% for migraine with aura and 21.3% of migraine without aura as define d by the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. The demographi c distribution, clinical features, sequelae, and treatment patterns of subjects with specifc headache subtypes are described. The rates of m igraine are compared to those of other community samples that have emp loyed the IHS criteria for headache subtypes. Subjects with migraine r eported pervasive impairment in nearly every life role including occup ation, leisure, and social relationships. Despite the substantial degr ee of impairment in occupational and social functioning that was assoc iated with migraine, an extremely low proportion of subjects had recei ved professional treatment for headache. These results suggest that a concerted effort should be directed towards education regarding the cl assification of headache and the availability of efficacious treatment for migraine.