The Usefulness and Applicability of a Basic Headache Diary Before First Consultation: Results of a Pilot Study Conducted In Two Centres

• Published in: Cephalalgia Vol. 28; no. 10; pp. 1023 - 1030
• Main Authors: Tassorelli, C, Sances, G, Allena, M, Ghiotto, N, Bendtsen, L, Olesen, J, Nappi, G, Jensen, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2008; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Clinical interview; diagnostic diary; Female; headache diagnosis; Humans; Male; Medical Records; medication overuse headache; Middle Aged; migraine; Migraine Disorders - diagnosis; Patient Satisfaction; Pilot Projects; Sensitivity and Specificity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tension-Type Headache - diagnosis; tension‐type headache; Young Adult; diagnostic diary; medication overuse headache; Clinical interview; migraine; headache diagnosis; tension-type headache
• ISSN: 0333-1024; 1468-2982
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2008.01639.x

We tested the usefulness and applicability of a simplified headache diary in the diagnosis of migraine (M), tension-type headache (TTH) and medication overuse headache (MOH). The diary was given to headache patients before their first consultation at the headache centre. Seventy-six naive headache patients completed the study. Their understanding of the diary proved highly satisfactory. The patients' level of compliance was also good, with 71± returning the diary completely filled in. The data entered in the diary were deemed complete for the diagnostic purpose in 93± of cases. The level of agreement between headache information gathered through clinical interview and the headache diary was satisfactory. When comparing the diary with the clinical interview, sensitivity was 92± for M, 75± for TTH and MOH. Specificity was 58± for M and TTH, 87± for MOH. Combined use of a diagnostic diary and clinical interview is recommended from the first consultation for headache.