Ludhiana, April 19
Headache is a common problem that affects every fifth patient attending the neurology OPD. This subspecialty of neurology continues to remain neglected among physicians as well as the public. A number of patients consult the doctor when the headache is severe or associated with some illness. A majority of patients suffering from headache are young and active individuals.
These were some of the facts disclosed during the first North Zone CME on Headache organised by the Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here, today.
According to WHO, up to 50 per cent reduction in productivity is seen among the headache sufferers worldwide. In India, these patients remain undiagnosed, untreated or improperly treated. To educate the general public about headache management, the Department of Neurology had started a special clinic about two-and-a-half years ago on every Friday on the hospital premises. The CME was a step in the same direction.
The CME was inaugurated by Prof J.S.Chopra, President of the Neurological Society of India. Addressing the delegates, he said headache and epilepsy were the most common neurological disorders seen in the general public.
Dr Sudesh Prabhakar, Head of the Neurology Department, PGI, delivered a neuroscience oration on "Non Pharmacological Management of Headache". He said regular yoga could help patients with headache.
Dr K.Ravishankar, a specialist in the subspecialty of headache from Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, said all headaches were not the same. Hence proper diagnosis was the most important aspect of headache management. People suffering from headache must consult a physician and take proper treatment, he added.
Regarding the intake of painkillers to relieve headache, Dr Rakesh Shukla, senior Professor of Neurology from King George's Medical College, Lucknow, said self-medication in recurrent headache could make headache a difficult task for treatment.
Dr Sachin Jain, a senior neurologist from Bhopal, discussed the problem of headache among the elderly. He said the rapidly-changing norms of the society and stress of everyday life had an adverse effect on senior citizens. Dr Sanjeev Dua, Head of Neurosurgery, discussed the surgical management of headache disorders.
Talking about the commonly-known headache, migraine, Dr Yashpal Singh, organising secretary and Head of the Department of Neurology, CMCH, said the combination of newer medication and lifestyle modification could make the life of migraine sufferers pleasant.
Dr Jeyraj Pandian said migraine could occur in children with epilepsy. At times, it was difficult to differentiate between migraine and symptoms occurring before the onset of fits, he said.
More than 300 delegates from North India participated in the conference. A quiz programme was also conducted to kindle interest among postgraduates and undergraduates on the subject.
