A hospital-based observational study conducted by the Neurology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from July to December 2013 aimed to explore the characteristics and patterns of headaches in 100 patients. The study found that headaches were most prevalent among younger individuals, with 50% of patients aged between 21 and 30 years, and a notable gender disparity, as 75% of the patients were female. Housewives represented the largest occupational group, comprising 57% of the participants. In terms of headache duration, the majority of patients (64%) experienced headaches lasting between 1-6 hours, while 63% reported continuous headaches. Other significant patterns included a variety of headache characteristics, with 61% describing their headaches as compressive, and 33% reporting a pulsatile sensation. Additionally, the study revealed that many patients experienced co-existing symptoms, with nausea being the most common, affecting 60% of participants, followed by vertigo (34%) and photophobia (33%). Other symptoms such as visual disturbances, vomiting, and insomnia were also prevalent. This study highlights the high burden of headaches in younger women and housewives, providing valuable insights into the duration, frequency, and associated symptoms, which can assist healthcare providers in improving the management and treatment of headache sufferers.
