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Headache, eating and sleeping behaviors and lifestyle factors in preadolescents and adolescents: preliminary results from an Italian population study

  • FICEF SYMPOSIUM: FROM FOOD TO MIGRAINE AND BACK
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Abstract

Several dietary and lifestyle habits can be associated with headaches or with their progression to chronic forms in adults. We report the results of the first population study performed in Italy on a sample of preadolescent and adolescent students to assess the possible association between headache and specific habits and lifestyle factors. Preliminary data from 800 questionnaires showed that 365 subjects had headaches, which were of moderate–severe intensity, associated with anorexia, and caused absence from school in more than 50 % of students. The main finding was the evidence of a clear association between headache and irregular intake of meals (especially irregular breakfast) and sleep disturbance with significant differences when subjects with and without headache were compared. If confirmed, these results are likely to influence clinical practice as well to address educational programs in preadolescents and adolescents.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank all students and teachers for their time and efforts: IC Benedetto Croce, Lauro (AV); Istituto Superiore Lorenzo Lotto G.B Rubini, Bergamo; Istituto Edmondo de Amicis, Milano; Istituto Tecnico Statale Commerciale E. Fermi, Vittoria (RG); Liceo Classico D.A. Azuni, Sassari. We also thank Stefania Mancini for her kind support.

Conflict of interest

This study was promoted and funded by Fondazione Italiana Cefalee onlus (FICEF). One of the authors (P. Messina) received a grant for FICEF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    F. Moschiano

  2. Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy

    P. Messina & E. Beghi

  3. Headache Center, Neurological Institute “C. Besta” IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy

    D. D’Amico, L. Grazzi & G. Bussone

  4. Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Hedache Centre, “S. Carlo Borromeo” Hospital, Milan, Italy

    F. Frediani

  5. Neurology Unit, Headache Center “S.G.Moscati”, Avellino, Italy

    F. d’Onofrio

  6. San Francesco Hospital, viale Europa 21, 82037, Telese Terme (BN), Italy

    G. Casucci

  7. Neurophysiopathology Department, SS Annunziata’ Hospital, via De Nicola, 07100, Sassari, Italy

    A. Demurtas

Authors
  1. F. Moschiano
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  2. P. Messina
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  3. D. D’Amico
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  4. L. Grazzi
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  5. F. Frediani
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  6. G. Casucci
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  7. F. d’Onofrio
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  8. A. Demurtas
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  9. E. Beghi
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  10. G. Bussone
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. Moschiano.

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Moschiano, F., Messina, P., D’Amico, D. et al. Headache, eating and sleeping behaviors and lifestyle factors in preadolescents and adolescents: preliminary results from an Italian population study. Neurol Sci 33 (Suppl 1), 87–90 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-012-1048-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-012-1048-3

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