The Vågå Study: An Outline of the Design

2004

IntroductionHangover headache is a well-recognised and frequently occurring headache. To the best of our knowledge, largescale population studies, with details regarding hangover headache and based on face-to-face interview methodology, have so far not been published in headache literature. Hangover, rather than hangover headache, has been described in detail [1,2].The IHS [3] has described two types of alcohol response: (1) Code no. 8.1.4: ("Alcohol-induced headache") and (2) Code no. 8.3.1: "Alcohol withdrawal headache (hangover)". The first one sets in early. These are the response patterns and criteria that will be adhered to in this context, because they were the available ones at the time of the Vågå study.Recently, the ICHD II has been published [4]. The two variants of alcohol-induced headache have been joined under a common heading: "Alcohol-induced headache" (8.1.4): J Headache Pain (2004) 5:181-187 DOI 10.1007 Hangover headache. Prevalence: Vågå study of headache epidemiology However, due to uncertainty whether hangover headache could be incorporated, this part of the study was started at no. 500. Of the remaining 1338 dalesmen, 1122, i.e., 83.9%, were questioned about hangover headache. The parochial "drinking culture" could probably best be characterised as binge drinking and not as a constant, daily consumption. Inclusion criteria were: intoxication by alcohol; headache; and the headache manifesting itself more than three hours after the end of drinking. In the whole series, 714 dalesmen had experienced hangover headache ("delayed alcohol-induced headache") during their lifetime (64%). This may be the best way to express hangover headache prevalence. Among those who had been "exposed to proper amounts of alcohol", the prevalence was considerably higher: 88%. With the existing drinking pattern, hangover headache clearly dominated in males (M/F ratio: 1.50 vs. 0.72 in those without hangover headache (p<0.0005)). Consistency tests showed high Kappa values.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hangover headache. Prevalence: Vågå study of headache epidemiology

2004

“…Details regarding the concept and structure of the Vågå study of headache epidemiology have been published elsewhere [4]. The parish of Vågå had 3907 inhabitants within its precincts just prior to the start of this study in 1995.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The parish of Vågå had 3907 inhabitants within its precincts just prior to the start of this study in 1995. All 18-65-year-old dalesmen were invited to participate in the study [4]. Questions concerning drinking sprees and hangover headache were asked in a face-toface interview, but only from no.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hangover headache: various manifestations and proposal for criteria. Vågå study of headache epidemiology

2004

IntroductionHangover headache is a well-known and characteristic manifestation of alcohol consumption. It appears in the wake of a drinking bout, when the blood alcohol concentration is falling (IHS code 8.3.1 [1]). There are few detailed descriptions of the panorama of manifestations of hangover headache in headache literature. The complaints during attack mainly seem to pertain to two major symptom categories: headache and gastro-intestinal (g-i) upset. The g-i discomfort in hangover headache in Vågå has been described elsewhere [2].In the present communication, particular attention will be paid to localisation, duration and intensity of the headache. The connection between red wine and headache will also be touched upon. The symptomatology of hangover headache in the Vågå study will be compared with the description given by Raskin [3]. Finally, we will propose criteria for hangover headache. J Headache Pain (2004) 5:230-236 DOI 10.1007 Hangover headache: various manifestations and proposal for criteria. Vågå study of headache epidemiology Abstract Hangover headache has been focused upon in connection with the Vågå study of headache epidemiology, with 714 cases among 1122 dalesmen (64%). Most frequently the headache was global in location. It was more frequently located in the anterior (frontotemporal) than occipital area. A unilateral headache was present in only 3% of the dalesmen, many of whom were migraineurs. Headache seemed to be more intense in males than females. Headache usually seemed to be of a lower intensity than the pain of migraine, but higher than, or similar to, that of tension-type headache. The headache appeared late in the night/early morning hours, i.e., several hours after discontinuation of drinking. In most cases, headache stopped in the late morning hours, or at high noon, but it could even last until somewhat late in the afternoon; it rarely, if ever, exceeded 12 hours duration. Red wine seemed mostly to provoke headache the same evening (with traits similar to those of the spontaneously occurring headache attacks). Criteria for hangover headache are proposed.

“…where [10]. The material consisted of 1838 18-65-year-old citizens (F/M ratio: 1.05); mean age 35.9 years [11].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The rare, unilateral headaches. Vågå study of headache epidemiology

2007

In the Vågå study of headache epidemiology, 1838 parishioners in the age group 18–65 years were included (88.6% of the relevant population). Each individual was questioned in a face-to-face situation. In this population, a search of rare unilateral headaches was also made, in spite of their presumed rarity. Trigeminal neuralgia was present in two cases. Two individuals with SUNCT traits were observed. Hemicrania continua may have been present in one individual. Also observed were: optic neuritis ( n =1), herpes zoster ( n =4); a case of unilateral headache upon neck rotation (chronic paroxysmal hemicrania variant? or "forme fruste" of the neck–tongue syndrome?); masseter muscle spasm ( n =1); temporo-mandibular joint dislocation ( n =1); and possible carotidynia ( n =3). A particularly intriguing form of headache was a unilateral, neuralgiform (?) pain, associated with ipsilateral, regular jabs and allodynia, a combination observed in eight females. A couple of conditions that entirely defy rubrication are also reported.