EUROLIGHT is a project that aims to highLIGHT

the impact of headache in EUROPE.

Limited data is available so far on headache disorders. In 2004 WHO identified headache as the most frequently reported neurological disorder in primary care in Europe. Primary headaches are highly prevalent, disabling, underestimated: up to 1 adult in 25 has headache every or nearly every day. WHO classified migraine alone as 19th century among all causes of years lived with disability (YLD). All headache disorders together are possibly in the top 5 causes of disability worldwide. The ECHI (European community Health Indicators) project, funded by the Public Health Programme, has compiled generic data on migraine or frequent headaches only including 12-month prevalence, by gender, age, region, SES (Socio Economic Status) and the WHO Atlas on Country resources has focused on the compilation of data on the frequency of primary and secondary care of headache in Europe. To date only pharmaceutical companies have drawn-up some evaluation on parts of the global burden of headache. There is no data at European level on prevalence and global impact of headache.

OBJECTIVES

The project's general objective is, in collaboration with NGO's and health care professionals, to gather reliable comparable information for the global public health dimensions of headache disorders with a module in questionnaire format developed by the project and tested in 10 pilot EU countries, as a basis for future EU level surveys, thus raising awareness for policymakers, health professionals and citizens and leading to improve patient's quality of life. The project considers the European Community Health indicators, the Mental Health Economics European Network and a pilot study on the impact of headaches in Luxembourg directed by Centre de Recherche Public Santé, Luxembourg, who is the main applicant.

STRATEGY

The strategy of the EUROLIGHT project is to bring together 24 groups from 15 different countries, including 4 major categories: 1) two public bodies (CRP Santé, Lombardy Region); 2) clinicians from 11 hospitals and clinics; 3) representatives from 10 patients' organisation, specifically the World Headache Alliance (WHA) and the European Headache Alliance (EHA) and 8 national associations in EU countries; 4) one scientific organisation (European Headache Federation, EHF). The project will liaise with statistical experts, including exchange with Eurostat.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The proposed project will be the first independent data collection on headache at European level focusing on a holistic, patient-driven and scientifically validated approach.

Results will enable to estimate prevalence, risk factors, risk reduction strategies, cost of illness and social support and to sustain a future European register. Work will be carried out in close consultation with ECHI and Eurostat.

Preliminary recommendations will be discussed and finalized at a Final Consensus conference with major stakeholders, to be endorsed by the project evaluation committee and advisory board.

They will be available for Eurostat, the Public Health portal and also the European Health Survey System (EHSS) which is being developed by Eurostat and DG Health and Consumer Protection.