Guidelines for the evaluation and management of headache in family practice

ABSTRACT

Headache disorders are common in general populations everywhere. They are potentially disabling, and impose heavy individual and societal burdens. Most patients with headache have one of three medically non-serious conditions and are best managed in primary care. Recognition of serious causes of headache requires a standardized diagnostic approach to history and examination coupled with an awareness of a relatively small number of important secondary headache disorders and indications for referral. This review very briefly encompasses the practical and useful aspects of headache management in family practice