IMPACT OF MIGRAINE AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE ON LIFE-STYLE, CONSULTING BEHAVIOR, AND MEDICATION USE - A CANADIAN POPULATION SURVEY

A large sample of Canadian adults was surveyed by telephone to determi ne the prevalence and characterization of headache, and the effects of headache on life-style, consulting behaviours and medication use. We reported prevalence and characterization in a previous issue; here, we detail the effects of headaches on sufferers. Sixteen and one-half pe rcent of adult Canadians experience migraine and 29% tension-type head aches. In over 70% of headache sufferers interpersonal relationships a re impaired. Regular activities are limited in 78% of migraine attacks and 38% of tension-type headaches. Despite this, only 64% of migraine and 45% of tension-type headache sufferers had ever sought medical at tention, and of these only 32% returned for ongoing care. Fourteen per cent of migraine and 8% of tension-type headache sufferers had used em ergency departments. Most headache sufferers take medication, primaril y over-the-counter varieties. Measures to reach the headache populatio n are needed, as are safe effective treatment options that will encour age them to participate in their medical care.