Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel, Head Physician of the Kiel Pain Clinic

Suicide headache, orphan of medicine, nameless headache: these terms reflect a time when the medical system barely recognized, diagnosed, or treated cluster headaches. The topic was virtually absent from medical training and continuing education. Patients found few resources. A correct diagnosis was often made only after years of suffering, or not at all. Many had given up and lost faith in medicine and science.

The German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) e.V. has fundamentally changed the care of patients with cluster headaches and autonomic headache disorders, seemingly from scratch. Instead of giving up, dedicated patients affected by cluster headaches came together, shared their experiences, and mustered the strength and courage to found the Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) e.V. A stroke of luck was founding president Dr. Harald Müller, who led the Federal Association with dedication for many years and paved the way for its successful work today.

Networks were tirelessly built. A particular highlight was the establishment of cluster headache competence centers at various locations. The idea and its inception originated at the Kiel Pain Clinic. For the first time, a specialized center for the care of patients with cluster headaches was established. The highly successful concept quickly spread throughout Germany. This initiative was accompanied by extensive training and continuing education programs for physicians. Regular nationwide meetings of patients and their families also contributed to improved care and knowledge dissemination. International meetings, under the patronage of the President of the European Union and in the presence of the President of the European Headache Federation, were held for the first time at the Kiel Pain Clinic, with active participation from experts and patients. Publications, member magazines, websites, weblogs, information campaigns for health policymakers, involvement of health insurance companies, and many other activities were important steps in disseminating knowledge and improving care for patients with cluster headaches. Numerous scientific studies were initiated, ensuring that future care for the next generation can also be improved. Today, cluster headaches can be diagnosed precisely and quickly. Specialized, modern treatment is very successful in most cases. Even in the most optimistic visions, such a development could not have been foreseen.

The German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) is an example of highly successful self-help work. Networking and collaboration with experts have been crucial for significantly improving the diagnosis and treatment of affected patients. The German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) is a model in self-help work. The collaboration with the board members and the members has been characterized by professionalism and friendly cooperation throughout the years. I congratulate the German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) on its 20th anniversary and wish it all the best for the future.

Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Psych. Hartmut Göbel

Kiel Pain Clinic