Headaches

Headaches are a very common and potentially disabling neurologic condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. There are three major primary headache disorders: migraine, cluster, and tension-type headache, and they are differentiated based on clinical criteria outlined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. The key to optimizing treatment is identifying the appropriate headache phenotype with a detailed history, physical, and neurologic examination. Headache treatment can consist of both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment measures. Non-pharmacologic treatment includes lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, or acupuncture. Pharmacologic approaches to management of headache pain include oral medications, which can be abortive and/or prophylactic. For resistant headaches, injections or surgery may be considered.