Abstract

ABSTRACT This is a cross sectional study, carried out to study the profile of patients with headache, 300 patients attending the out-patient clinic in Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital in Basrah for the period 1st January-31st December 2003, were interviewed & examined by the researcher by using special question form. Primary headache found in 41.3% (tension type headache 25.7% and migraine 15.7% of the total) with a higher rate among females. Tension type headache was higher among age group 20-39 years and increasing with educational state, common among professional and administrative occupations, with higher rates among females. Migraine was higher among young male and older females and there was an inverse relationship with education and was higher among unskilled workers. Nearly ¾ of primary headache patients were using medication with a higher rate among migraine patients. Secondary headache contributed to 58.7% (mainly due to hypertension, febrile illness and 4 cases were due to brain tumor). The study recommended careful history and physical examination for establishing the diagnosis, &to prescribe appropriate treatment. Cranial CT scan and MRI may be needed for assurance of the patient of the absence of structural internal cranial lesion.