Prevalence of cervicogenic headache: Vågå study of headache epidemiology

Objectives – To describe the prevalence and various clinical characteristics of cervicogenic headache (CEH) in the population at large. Methods – CEH was searched for in Vaga, Norway, where 1838 18 to 65-year-old citizens, i.e. 88.6% of this age group, underwent an interview/clinical examination. The Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group criteria include: (I) unilaterality of head pain, (II) reduction, range of movement, neck, (III/IV) ipsilateral shoulder/arm discomfort, (V/VI) mechanical provocation of similar pain, objectively or subjectively. Results – A prevalence of 4.1% was found. In 41 cases with the highest number of CEH criteria (‘core’ cases), there was a male preponderance (F/M: 0.71). While cervicogenic traits (mechanical precipitation etc.) were frequently present in CEH, ‘migraine traits’, like nausea, vomiting, and throbbing seemed to be rarely present. In 97% of the cases, pain exacerbations began in the neck/occipital region. Conclusions – CEH may be one of the three large, recurrent headaches. In this series, there was no female preponderance. Nuchal onset of pain is a characteristic trait.