The European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Migraine Headache Alliance (EMHA) are pleased to announce the 21st March as the first Cluster Headache Day as part of the ‘What’s the Under the Hat?’ public awareness campaign.
Cluster headache is one of the worst pains known to man and affects up to 4 in 1,000 people, similar to the incidence of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
The word ‘Cluster’ refers to a period of time lasting weeks or months, with an increased number of attacks associated with seasonal changes and light hours in the day. On average, it takes six years to obtain the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, resulting in untold misery and possible devastation for those affected.
At a recent EU Parliament event, Prof. Dimos Mitsikostas, President of EHF explained that the 21st March had been selected to highlight Cluster Headache to reflect the increase in cluster attacks at the time of the equinox, adding that more than 600,000 people in Europe live with cluster headache, with less than 50% seeing a specialist and more than a third of sufferers missing work at a cost of 7 billion euro per year.
Audrey Craven, Past President of EHA explained that the activities of cluster headache day would include both online and offline activities as part of EHA’s ‘What’s Under the Hat?’ public awareness campaign to increase public recognition of the impact and burden of living with Cluster Headache.
