Abstract
Headache disorders are reported by more than 50% of adults during the previous year in India. In addition to their great prevalence, the World Health Organization lists them as amongthe top ten conditions that are the most disabling. The high disability levels among headaches can also occur with several conditions such as vestibular symptoms, and balance alterations. Among these, balance dysfunction is often verified in patients with migraine, followed by tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. With this background in mind, the present study aims to use the Fukuda stepping test (FST) to look at the occurrence of balance disturbances in headache patients. A total of 40 headache subjects aged between 18 and 25 years volunteered to participate as subjects in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Headache questionnaire and Headaches Impact Test scale were used to analyze the severity of headache in each subject. The FST is used for analyze balance dysfunction in headaches subject and it helps to identify vestibular system weakness by observing any deviation of the body while an individual performs the test. The Four-Stage Balance Test is used to assess an individual's ability to maintain balance and control in various positions and movements, helping to identify any deficits in their balance. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.273 and P ≤ 0.005) was observed between Headache Impact Test (HIT) scores in F50 and F100. The relationship between FSBT in F50 and F100 also shows a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.516 and P ≤ 0.005) and is statistically significant. The study shows that individuals experiencing headaches exhibited balance disturbances when they performed the FST, indicating a potential association between headaches and balance.