A Study of Demographic Data of Patients Presenting with Different Type of Headaches to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Headache is a prevalent neurological condition causing global disability. This study evaluated demographic and clinical profiles of patients with primary and secondary headaches in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from September to December 2024 at the Department of Neurology, Government General Hospital, Guntur. A total of 288 patients aged >18 years presenting with headache were included. Clinical evaluations, neuroimaging, and lumbar punctures were performed when necessary. Headaches were classified per the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Results: Of 288 patients, 172 (59.7%) had primary headaches, and 116 (40.3%) had secondary headaches. Migraine was the most common primary headache (34.4%), with a female predominance (M:F = 1:3.95), peaking at 31?40 years. Tension-type headache (20.8%) was associated with systemic comorbidities and small vessel disease. Among secondary headaches, cranial/cervical vascular disorders (28.4%) were most common. Non-vascular intracranial disorders and infections each accounted for 19.8%. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was frequent in young obese women. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and giant cell arteritis were notable vascular causes. Conclusion: Primary headaches were more common, especially migraine and tension-type headache. Migraine was linked to cardiometabolic comorbidities. Tension-type headaches showed broader systemic associations. Secondary headaches were varied and regionally influenced. Vascular causes and intracranial hypertension were predominant secondary types. Understanding headache types and regional patterns is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.