Semin Neurol 2011; 31(1): 005-017
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271313
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Headache

Paul G. Mathew1 , 2 , Ivan Garza3
  • 1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital, John R. Graham Headache Center, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
  • 2Division of Neurology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • 3Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 February 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Headache is one of the most common complaints among patients presenting to an outpatient neurology practice. The evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of headache can be rather cumbersome and at times quite challenging for even the most seasoned neurologist. Many complex issues that although not causative, can play an exacerbating role in the genesis of headaches. In this article, the authors review some of the essential elements that are part of headache evaluation including headache-specific history, physical examination, warning signs of secondary headache disorders, and when to consider further studies. They then provide a brief review on the diagnosis of primary headache disorders according to the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD-2), and treatment strategies of the more common primary headache disorders with a focus on migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, tension-type headache, and chronic daily headache.

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Paul G. MathewM.D. 

John R. Graham Headache Center

1153 Centre Street, Suite 4970, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Email: PMATHEW@partners.org

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