Objectives To estimate remission rates of
chronic headache (CH), focusing on potential predictors of
headache remission and medication. Methods We used data from the longitudinal population-based German
Headache Consortium (GHC) Study (n = 9,944, 18-65 years). Validated questionnaires were used at baseline (t0, 2003-2007, response rate: 55.2%), first follow-up after 1.87 ± 0.39 years (t1, 37.2%) and second follow-up after 3.26 ± 0.60 years (t2, 38.8%) to assess
headache type and frequency, use of
analgesics and anti-
migraine drugs,
medication overuse, education, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. CH was defined as ≥ 15
headache days/month at t0 over three months. Outcomes were: CH remission (<15
headache days/month at both follow-ups), CH persistence (≥ 15
headache days/month at both follow-ups); all others were considered as partially remitted. To estimate predictors of remission, univariate and multiple logistic regression were calculated. Results At baseline, 255 (2.6%) participants were identified with CH. Of these, 158 (62.0%) participants responded at both follow-ups. Remission was observed in 58.2% of participants, partial remission in 17.7% and persistence in 24.1%. Remission was associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 3.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-9.08) and no
medication overuse (4.16, 1.45-11.94) compared to participants with persistent CH; participants with higher
headache frequency at t0 were less likely to remit (0.90, 0.84-0.97). Medication, age, education, BMI, smoking and drinking showed no effects on remission. Similar results were observed for partial remission. Conclusion The majority of CH participants remitted from CH. Female sex, no overuse of
pain medication and lower
headache frequency were associated with remission.