Hopeful breakthroughs in tackling the causes and finding the best treatments for a headache, one of the most common conditions suffered by people many times during their lives, will come under the spotlight.
Bahrain is hosting the third edition of the GCC Headache and Pain Summit today at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.
The two-day conference is being attended by leading medical specialists, in the presence of Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
Experts will discuss different approaches to patient care, medication and preventing episodic and chronic migraine.
Plenary sessions will also highlight headaches suffered by children, those fasting and pregnant women, along with pain management, and specific challenging cases.
The main symptom is pain in the head or face. There are several types and tension headaches are the most common. While most are not considered dangerous, certain types can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
“Headaches are often debilitating and affect millions globally,” said summit chairwoman Dr Fatema Abdulla. “This event serves as a platform to exchange knowledge, share best practice and showcase innovations that will enhance our collective understanding, diagnosis and treatment of these prevalent challenges.
“Throughout the summit we will engage in insightful discussions, listen to distinguished speakers and actively participate in workshops and sessions focused on neuroscience.”
Endorsed by Bahrain Medical Society, Saudi Headache Chapter, Oman Neurology Society, Kuwait Neurology Society, the summit will serve as a distinctive platform to share best practices, exchange knowledge and collective understanding and treatment of headaches and migraines. The aim is to help enhance the quality of life for sufferers.
“We can collaborate to make significant strides in improving the quality of life for those grappling with headaches and pain,” added Dr Abdulla.
Migraine is the most common multidisciplinary neurological disorder characterised by recurrent headaches.
Both genetics and environmental risk factors play a significant role in the development of migraine.
A study conducted in 2023 by Bahraini researchers covered a sample of 255 participants, including expats, to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards migraine.
Results published in the US-based medical journal Cureus revealed that more than half the participants had suffered from migraines.
Moreover, 91 per cent believe medications and lifestyle modification were the most convenient treatment and 92.9pc said that they would recommend their relatives and friends who suffer from migraine to consult a doctor.
Furthermore, 34.9pc stated that they would suggest a certain type of medication too.
In cases of recurrent headaches, 72.5pc of the participants stated that they would consult a doctor, whereas the remaining quarter would opt to take paracetamol without consulting a doctor, and 2pc would go to the pharmacist for help.
Lifestyle modification was the treatment choice for 86.3pc of participants.
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