Long-term headache after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

Background: Though headache is commonly observed after stroke and may affect survivors' quality of life, it has rarely been studied after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a cohort of ICH survivors, we assessed the long-term prevalence and determinants of headache. Methods: We screened consecutive ICH survivors enrolled in the prospective, single-centre Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage study for headache 1, 3, and 6 years after ICH, according to the International Headache Society's criteria. Depressive and anxiety symptoms severity was measured at 1-year follow-up. Variables associated with the presence of headache 1 year after ICH were analyzed using univariate and multivariable models. Results: Among the 146 patients included in this study, 31 (21%), 25 (19%), and 14 (20%) patients reported headache at 1-, 3-, and 6-year follow-up, respectively. In an age-adjusted model, patients with headache at ICH onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75; 95% CI 1.02-7.42) and previous history of headache (aOR 4.60; 95% CI 1.74-12.1) were associated with headache at 1-year follow-up. Patients with headache were more likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms at 1-year follow-up (both p < 0.02). Conclusions: One in five ICH survivors suffered from headache and patients who reported headache at ICH onset were especially at risk.