Headaches Profiles during Economic Crisis: Lessons from Greek Reallity

From 2009, the global economic crisis not only deepened poverty but led to adverse health effects. Headaches (1 and 3 % of total emergency departments visits) with significant psychological and socioeconomic consequences. Although people were less likely to visit outpatient facilities in the era of economic crisis, there was a continuing rise in admissions to public hospitals from 2009 to the first half of 2011. No other European country has felt the shock of the global economic crisis greater than Greece. As a result, Greek people were subjected to a series of tough austerity measures, with very severe social effects. Austerity measures were intensified in 2011 in an attempt to accomplish the set goals, all of which had a devastating impact on health. In this book, first part presents an overview of the main aspects of the health reform, especially in the Greek national care system in the era of economic crisis. Second part is a brief review of pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiological data and treatment. Third part analyzes our current published data of headache patterns changes. Fourth part summarizes our conclusions with policy implication of the policy makers.