Headache as a major public health problem: current status.

Headache is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders diagnosed by practising neurologists. It is a public health problem of major concern in all countries, and it represents a drain on a country's productivity, its health systems, society, individuals, and families. The economic costs involved (direct and indirect) and the psychosocial and human costs are enormous burdens on society in general. While health status assessments that rely on traditional morbidity and mortality rates are of limited use in the evaluation of headache patients, it is important to create awareness and acceptance of these disorders that cause so much personal suffering and enormous public expense.