Kiel Cluster Headache Conference: Care in Europe 2015

Greeting from Hermann Gröhe

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

Cluster headaches are among the most severe pain disorders known to humankind. They occur in recurring attacks lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Sufferers can experience up to eight such attacks per day. The excruciating, one-sided pain around the eye is accompanied by redness, watering, and a runny or blocked nose. The attacks can occur in clusters over several weeks or months at intervals. Chronic courses without breaks are also possible. The severity and unbearable nature of the attacks, if left untreated, can drive sufferers to suicide. This, along with the severe, unbearable suffering, has led to the term "suicidal headache." The German language has no equivalent term for it.

In recent years, the organizers have initiated a nationwide network of expertise in Germany for the regional care of people with cluster headaches, which serves as a model for international care. European experiences in the treatment of cluster headaches will be analyzed and shared at the conference. The goal is to optimize care across borders. In his welcoming address, the Federal Minister of Health, Hermann Gröhe, emphasizes the particular importance of this meeting: "Since the disease is relatively rare, it is all the more important to collect knowledge across national borders, evaluate it, and exchange information on the various treatment options." This internationally oriented cluster headache conference is intended to lead to new cross-border insights and serve as a precursor to further international meetings of this kind.

under the patronage of the European Parliament

In Germany alone, more than 100,000 people suffer from cluster headaches. Due to the severity of the symptoms, cluster headaches very often lead to job loss, and the disability is greater in women than in men. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 2.1 to 1. Despite the clear clinical symptoms—such as up to eight attacks per day, active cluster periods lasting between 60 and 90 days, and seasonal occurrence in spring and autumn—only about 30 percent of affected patients are adequately diagnosed. On average, it takes an unacceptable six to eight years to receive a correct diagnosis. Approximately 60 percent of those affected never receive adequate, up-to-date treatment. Regional cluster headache centers provide rapid, local assistance. They enable quick and effective care and directly apply specialized knowledge.

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

The primary focus is on informing those affected, their families, and the public about the occurrence and treatment of cluster headaches. The training and continuing education of physicians and the establishment of further specialized centers are also crucial for improving care for those affected.

Several drug treatments are available for cluster headaches. These include calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, and triptans. Currently, monoclonal antibodies against specific neurotransmitters are being scientifically tested. Similar to a vaccination, this could potentially block the neurotransmitters in the future, requiring one injection per month under the skin.

Other treatment methods include neuromodulation techniques. These involve, among other things, the implantation of minimally invasive pacemakers in the palate, which are intended to stabilize nerve activity in the nerve nuclei during cluster attacks. So-called non-invasive nerve stimulation, in the form of external vagus nerve stimulation through the skin, is also being tested in clinical trials.

The President of the European Headache Federation (EHF), Prof. Dr. Dimos D. Mitsikostas, who has placed cluster headache at the top of his agenda for his presidency, will participate in person and describe the healthcare situation in his home country and across Europe. Other physicians and patients from other European countries will also provide a comparative overview of healthcare provision. In addition, new findings from an analysis of the healthcare situation conducted by the German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) in cooperation with the European Headache Alliance (EHA) among more than 20 patient organizations in 18 countries will be presented.

On the second day, modern neuromodulation techniques will be compared with conventional treatment approaches. Many prominent physicians and patients will again be invited to share their experiences with the different methods. Additionally, the treatment options for pregnant cluster headache patients will be addressed on Saturday.

The Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) eV and the team of the Kiel Pain Clinic look forward to welcoming all interested parties to Kiel.

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

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

Below are some impressions from the conference:

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program

Program Download: European Cluster Headache Conference, Kiel Pain Clinic 2015

Cluster headaches in Europe:
New approaches to modern 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, Federal Headache Treatment Network;
Dr. Harald Müller,
Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups – CSG eV

September 4-6, 2015

Kiel Pain Clinic
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 Programme

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

Management 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)