Clinical characteristics of primary headaches in Moldovan adolescents

Abstract

Background: Accurate diagnosis of primary headache types is very important for correct prophylaxis and treatment, but this is sometimes complicated in the adolescence due to similar clinical features of migraine (MG) and tension-type headache (TTH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific clinical characteristics of MG and TTH in adolescents in the Republic of Moldova. Material and methods: We studied 1486 adolescents (10 – 19 y.o.) diagnosed with primary headache. Results: Regardless of the type, the frequency of headaches was higher in girls (p < 0.001) without difference according to age (p = 0.395) and residence (p = 0.003) criteria. The duration of headache was higher among girls, in late adolescence and from urban area (p < 0.001). The pain intensity was significantly higher in MG (p < 0.001), in late adolescence and in urban area (p < 0.001). The pain pressure feature was characteristic for over 60% of adolescents with both types of primary headache (MG – 60.5%, TTH – 68.5%). Bilateral pain was a specific characteristic for both types of headaches, but its prevalence was significantly higher in TTH (30.3% vs 55.9%, p < 0.001). Among the symptoms that may be associated with headache, a common feature for both types of primary headache was phonophobia (MG – 85.4%, TTH – 72.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: During adolescence, especially in 10–14 y.o. adolescents, MG and TTH have similar characteristics, causing difficulties in differentiating these two types of primary headaches.