Primary Stabbing Headache in Outpatient Clinics
Author Information
Author(s): Guerrero A. L., Herrero S., Peñas M. L., Cortijo E., Rojo E., Mulero P., Fernández R.
Primary Institution: Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
Hypothesis
What is the burden of primary stabbing headache as a main complaint in an outpatient headache clinic?
Conclusion
Primary stabbing headache is not usually the main cause for submission to a headache clinic, despite being a common diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 5% of patients in the clinic were diagnosed with primary stabbing headache.
- Most patients experienced attacks lasting 5 seconds or less.
- 39% of patients reported primary stabbing headache as the main reason for their clinic visit.
Takeaway
Primary stabbing headache is a type of headache that feels like sharp stabs in the head, but most people don't go to the doctor for it.
Methodology
Reviewed patients with primary stabbing headache diagnosed according to ICHD-II criteria over a 2.5-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection as only those referred to a headache clinic were included.
Limitations
The study may not represent the general population as patients were referred to a specialized clinic.
Participant Demographics
36 patients (26 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 34.1 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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