Reveal Marketing Research study: 13% of Romanians experience have headaches up to several times a week

Bucharest, 27.05.2021 – 11% of Romanians experience headaches at least once a month. Of these, 9.6% complain of such symptoms on a weekly basis, according to a survey initiated by the neurology clinic Neuroaxis, with the support of Reveal Marketing Research and MPR Agency.

• Headache is one of the most common symptoms among Romanians.
• 13% of Romanians stated that they have headaches several times a week.
• 22% say they experience headaches at least twice a month.
• 1 in 3 Romanians say that they went to the doctor when his head hurt.

We all have headaches, but not all of us for the same reasons. Headaches are common symptoms in many medical conditions. Depending on the location, intensity, appearance and frequency, the neurologist can identify what caused it. Among the most common causes are fatigue and stress. But there are also cases in which the headache announces a stroke, an aneurysm or a brain tumor. 

Women – more affected by headaches

The survey conducted between 7-13 May, 2021, based on the online survey of a number of 1016 participants, provides updated data on the incidence and frequency of headaches in Romania. The data obtained are comparable to those existing in population studies at European level.

Among those experiencing recurrent headaches, the frequency of symptoms is higher among women. 19.7% of women report at least 2 episodes of pain per week compared to 10.1% of men. And in terms of the frequency of headaches in a month, women are still in the lead. 23% women and 22% men of the total resident population experience 2-3 episodes of headaches per month. 

The incidence of headaches is higher in young people aged 18-24. Most of them stated that they feel such pain several times a week (24%), respectively 2-3 times a month (22%), while only 2 out of 10 people aged 30 and over stated that they have a headache with the same frequency.

Depending on the state of residence there are no significant differences in the in terms of the state of health felt. 

Beware of self-medication

The persistence of headaches is what drives the respondents to request a medical consultation (62.5%), followed by the appearance of other symptoms associated with the pain and then the lack of a response to the initial drug treatment.

6 out of 10 Romanians state that the persistence and constancy of the headache is what determined them to go to the doctor, while for 25% of Romanians, the motivation to go to the doctor’s office was the inefficiency of the medicine taken (“I took some medicine that did not have any effect on me”).

Of those who follow a treatment when they complain of headaches, 41% usually opt for the drug treatment, 35% choose to self-medicate without the doctor’s recommendation, and 22% use natural remedies.

People over the age of 55 consult a pharmacist in such situations (23%). On the other hand, the percentage of those who expect the pain to go away on its own among people under 30 is 9%. 

“These data can be included in the European statistic data where the average number of people who consult a doctor in case of a headache is 6.5-7/10. We can thus conclude that the level of awareness in Romania is comparable to that of the European population. The presentation in a significant number is most likely due to the fact that persistent pain affects their daily activity and quality of life. 

One of the most alarming phenomena related to headaches is self-medication. In the study, 35% of respondents choose to self-medicate using drugs without prior notice and without a prescription. This behavior can have severe side effects at the individual level, which can delay timely and accurate diagnosis and risk the occurrence of complications in the absence of appropriate treatment. 

Moreover, the survey shows that 22% of respondents use natural remedies to treat headaches. We want to emphasize the fact that comparative data on the effectiveness of symptomatic medication against headache do not show a benefit of natural medication compared to placebo. That is why we recommend that patients seek advice and verified and approved treatments for the treatment of headaches. 

In conclusion, people with headaches should see a doctor for evaluation, especially if they recognize one of the following alarming signs: sudden onset of severe headache, new features of the headache (location, character, intensity, accompanying manifestations, etc.), concomitant infection, impaired consciousness, seizures, severe headache associated with exertion, headache after the age of 50, immunosuppression, visual disturbances, pregnancy or postpartum, use of drugs or drugs at risk (eg anticoagulants ) ”, Dr. Dan Mitrea, neurologist with area of ​​interest in neuro oncology and founder of Neuroaxis, neurology clinic.

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About Neuroaxis

Neuroaxis is the first integrated neurology clinic in Bucharest, based on the “One Stop Shop” concept, where patients benefit from diagnosis, treatment and monitoring within the clinic, for most neurological and neurologically-related conditions.

About Reveal Marketing Research

Reveal Marketing Research is a market research company, with a team specialized in marketing research, sociological studies, customer insight, business strategy, market development. With expertise in over 20 industries, Reveal Marketing Research believes that market research is the basis for the right decisions and an accurate brand positioning. The qualitative and quantitative solutions provided by Reveal have been helping companies in Romania and Europe for over 12 years.

Methodology: The collection method for the project is CAWI (computer-assisted web interview). The data were collected monthly, between 07.05 – 13.05 2021 2020 and April 2021, on a nationally representative sample (urban and rural). The margin of error is +/- 3%. Confidence level: 95%.