The occurrence of cervicogenic headache: A mapping review

Abstract

Background

Occurrence of cervicogenic headache (CeH), mostly expressed by estimates of the prevalence, ranges between 0.4% and 42%. However, transparency on such estimates is lacking, which hinders generalizing results.

Objective

Mapping the occurrence (expressed by incidence/prevalence) of CeH.

Design

Mapping review.

Method

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus databases (last search update January 28th^, 2025). The search query comprised terminology relating to “CeH”, “prevalence”, “incidence”.

Results

Thirty-four publications were included (prevalence n = 32, incidence n = 2). The prevalence of CeH varied depending on the geographical location (Norway: 0.17% - USA: 69%), population (age: 0.17%–56.7%, chronic headache: 0.17% - computer users: 64.5%), setting (inpatient: 13.8%–69%, outpatient: 0.38%–10%), diagnostic criteria (International Headache Society: 0.38%–40%, Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group: 0.17%–64.5%), and diagnostic process (questionnaires: 5.3%–64.5%, clinical examination: 0.17%–56.7%, diagnostic block: 0.17%–16.1%).

Conclusion

Most publications were retrieved from Europe, Asia, and the United States. One multicentre study provided results for the African continent. No conclusion could be drawn on the incidence of CeH. The populations studied (e.g., general, age-stratified, specific), settings (e.g., hospital, private practice, clinics, emergency services), diagnostic criteria (e.g., International Headache Society or Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group) and processes (e.g., questionnaires, clinical examination) were heterogeneous. Four publications required a diagnostic block in the diagnostic process. A standardized methodology, especially regarding the diagnostic criteria and process, is needed to compare studies, guarantee quality, and provide estimates to inform policy makers.