Epidemiology and impact of headache disorders

Epidemiologic studies describe the scope and distribution of headache disorders and their impact on individuals and on society. ^{1 , 2} These studies can facilitate clinical decision-making and help support the view that headache should be a treatment priority. ^{1 , 3} Understanding sociodemographic, familial, and environmental risk factors helps identify those groups at highest risk for headache and ultimately may provide clues to preventive strategies or disease mechanisms. Epidemiologic studies have identified a number of conditions that are comorbid (that is, occurring at a higher frequency than would be expected by chance) with migraine. Thus, comorbidity must be considered in formulating treatment plans and may provide insights into the mechanisms of disease. ^{3 , 4}