Kiel Cluster Headache Conference: Care in Europe 2015

Greetings from Hermann Gröhe

International headache researchers and those affected will meet from September 4th. to September 6th, 2015 in Kiel for the European Cluster Headache Conference 2015. The conference will take place under the patronage of Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, at the Kiel Pain Clinic. It is jointly organized by the Cluster Headache Competence Center at the Kiel Pain Clinic and the Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) eV.

Cluster headaches are one of the most serious pain diseases in humans. They occur in periodic attacks lasting between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Those affected have to suffer up to eight unexpected attacks of this kind every day. The unbearable one-sided pain that occurs around the eye is accompanied by redness of the eyes, watering of the eyes and runny nose or nasal congestion. The attacks can occur in spaced periods in clusters lasting several weeks to months. Chronic courses without any breaks can also exist. The severity and unbearableness of the attacks force those affected to commit suicide if they are not treated properly. This and the severe, unbearable suffering have also led to the name suicide headache. The German language doesn't have a word for him.

In recent years, the organizers have initiated a nationwide competence network in Germany for the regional care of those affected by cluster headaches, which is considered a model for international care. The European experience in the treatment of cluster headaches in Europe will be analyzed and shared at the conference. The aim is to optimize cross-border care. In his welcoming speech, the Federal Minister of Health, Hermann Gröhe, emphasized the special importance of this meeting: “Since the disease occurs relatively rarely, it is all the more important to collect knowledge across national borders, evaluate it and exchange information about the various treatment options.” The internationally oriented cluster headache conference is intended to lead to new cross-border findings and be the start of further international meetings of this type.

under the patronage of the European Parliament

In Germany alone, more than 100,000 people are affected by cluster headaches. Due to the severity of the symptoms, cluster headaches often result in job loss; disability is higher in women than in men. The male to female frequency ratio is approximately 2.1 to 1. Despite the clear clinical symptoms - such as the occurrence of up to 8 attacks per day, active cluster periods between 60 to 90 days and the seasonal occurrence in spring and autumn - only around 30 are reported Percent of affected patients adequately diagnosed. On average, it takes an unacceptable 6-8 years for a correct diagnosis to be made. Approximately 60 percent of those affected never receive adequate, contemporary treatment. Regional cluster headache competence centers enable quick on-site help. They allow for quick and effective care and directly implement specialized knowledge.

Current scientific theories on the development of cluster headaches describe a disruption of nerve junctions in the hypothalamus as well as inflammatory processes in the veins at the base of the brain. Special genes that are associated with the development of cluster headaches have also been decoded.

The focus is on informing those affected, their relatives and the public about the occurrence and treatment of cluster headaches. The training and further education of doctors and the establishment of additional specialized centers are also important for improving care for those affected.

There are different medication treatments available for cluster headaches. These include calcium antagonists, cortisone preparations and triptans. Monoclonal antibodies against specific neurotransmitters are currently being scientifically tested. Similar to a vaccination, this could potentially block the carrier substances in the future; one injection per month under the skin is required.

Other treatment methods include neuromodulation techniques. For this purpose, minimally invasive pacemakers are implanted in the palate area, which are intended to stabilize nerve activity in the nerve nuclei during cluster attacks. The so-called non-invasive nerve stimulation in the form of vagus nerve stimulation from outside through the skin is also being tested in clinical studies.

The President of the European Headache Federation (EHF), Prof. Dr. Dimos D. Mitsikostas, who has put “cluster headache” at the top of his agenda for his presidency, will take part in person and describe the care situation in his home country and Europe. Other doctors and patients from other European countries will also provide a comparative insight into the care. In addition, new results of an analysis by the Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) eV in cooperation with the European Headache Alliance (EHA) will be presented to over 20 patient organizations in 18 countries on the care situation.

On the second day, modern neuromodulation procedures are compared with conventional therapeutic approaches. Many prominent doctors and patients are also invited to describe their experiences with the different methods. In addition, the treatability of pregnant cluster headache patients will also be discussed on Saturday.

The Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) eV and the team at the Kiel Pain Clinic are looking forward to welcoming everyone who is interested in Kiel.

Due to the expected large crowds, we ask you to register at the CSG office:

Email jakob.c.terhaag@clusterkopf.de
Web www.clusterkopf.de

Below are impressions from the conference:

1 2 ... 5 ►

program

Program download: European Cluster Headache Conference Pain Clinic Kiel 2015

Cluster headaches in Europe:
New paths to contemporary care

European cluster headache conference in cooperation with experts and cluster headache self-help groups

Patron

Martin Schulz
President of the European Parliament

Management and organization:

Prof. Dr.
Hartmut Göbel Pain Clinic Kiel, nationwide headache treatment network
Dr.
Harald Müller Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups – CSG eV

September 4th - 6th, 2015

Pain Clinic Kiel
Cluster Headache Competence Center
Heikendorfer Weg 9-27
24149 Kiel

Moderation:

Christiane Seidenspinner

Speakers:

Prof. Dr.
Dimos D. Mitsikostas, Athens (GR) Ilse de Coo, Netherlands
Dr.
Mads Barløse, Denmark Dr.
Peter Heinen, St. Vith (BE) PD Dr.
Charly Gaul, Königstein (DE) Dr.
Holger Kaube, Munich (DE) M.sc.
psych. Julia Röhl Dipl. Psych. Marianne Lüking, Freiburg
Anette Fellner, CK patient (SCS)
Lisa Fischer, CK patient (tVNS)
Claudia Eichhorn, CK patient (DBS)
Rüdiger Harbring, CK patient (GPS-S)

English programs

Cluster Headache in Europe:
New pathways for a modern treatment

European Cluster Headache conference in cooperation between experts and cluster headache self-help groups

Patron:

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament

Direction and organization:

Prof. Dr.
Hartmut Göbel Kiel Headache and Pain Center, Nationwide headache treatment network
Dr.
Harald Müller Federal cluster headache self-help group – CSG eV

September 4-6, 2015

Kiel Headache and Pain Center
Cluster headache competence center
Heikendorfer Weg 9-27
24149 Kiel

Moderation:

Christiane Seidenspinner

Speakers:

Prof. Dr.
Dimos D. Mitsikostas, Athens (GR) Ilse de Coo, Netherlands
Dr.
Mads Barløse, Denmark Dr.
Peter Heinen, St. Vith (BE) PD Dr.
Charly Gaul, Königstein (DE) Dr.
Holger Kaube, Munich (DE) M.sc.
psych. Julia Röhl Dipl. Psych. Marianne Lüking, Freiburg
Anette Fellner, patient (SCS)
Lisa Fischer, patient (tVNS)
Claudia Eichhorn, patient (DBS)
Rüdiger Harbring, patient (GPS-S)