A cross sectional study was conducted in a Headache clinic over 6 months. Patients diagnosed with primary headache of both genders aged 18-65 years were included. Data was collected by self-reported questionnaire, it included demographics, characteristics of headache (frequency, duration, severity and, frequency of analgesic use) before and 3 months after the final TM session and, type of TM used (cupping, head banding and, herbal medicine).

A total of 279 patients diagnosed with primary headache were included. The mean age is (40.32 ± 11.75) years; females represented (79.6%). Most patients(n=195; 69.9%) reported using TM before presentation, mainly cupping(47.3%). Cultural/religious beliefs were the main reason behind seeking TM in (51.3%). Patients who sought TM had more frequent headache episodes, longer attacks and higher analgesic use respectively before presentation(9.66 ± 7.39 versus 4.14 ± 2.72; p < 0.001), (41.23± 27.76 versus 32.19 ± 23.29; p <. 0009), (8.23+7.70 versus 3.18± 3.06; p < 0.001). Three months after the final TM session, there was no significant reduction in the frequency of headache (9.19 ± 7.33 versus 8.99± 7.59; p <0.50), days of analgesic use per month(7.45± 7.43 versus 6.77± 6.93; p <0.09) and duration of headache (41.23 ± 27.76 versus 41.59 ± 27.69; p <0.78). However, there was a significant reduction of headache severity(p <0.02). Few patients(17.9%) reported adverse events. Most patients were not satisfied after receiving TM.

TM is widely used by headache sufferers therefore treating physicians should be aware of it to monitor potential benefits or adverse events. TM was not effective in reducing headache attacks and severity.