Headaches attributed to airplane travel: a Danish survey

Abstract

Background: Airplane headache (AH) is a headache that occurs during take-off and landing. The pain is described as severe, unilateral, and located in the fronto-orbital region. This study aimed at investigating the incidence of AH among Scandinavian air-travelers, and to elucidating potential risk factors. Methods: An online, Danish-survey was developed. The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions and was distributed through the Facebook-pages of Scandinavian-airlines and interest organizations. Participants reached the questionnaire through a web-link. Results: Out of 254 responses, 89 noted that they suffered from headaches associated to airplane travel. Of the 89, 21 cases the headache was severe and limited to 30 min duration, as described in the ICH’s criteria of AH. The remaining 68 cases indicated that the headache lasted longer than 30 min. Our data demonstrated that High-Altitude Headache (HAH) is a risk factor for developing AH (p < 0.05). Triptans (19 %) and paracetamol (5 %) were reported effective to relieve AH. Conclusion: This study indicates that up to 8.3 % of the studied population suffered from AH, with a higher incidence in those with a history of HAH. Self-medication by triptans and paracetamol were reported effective for relieving AH.