Summary and resources
Headache is not a single entity. Most headaches will be primary – commonly tension type headache. A structured history and careful examination is needed to rule out secondary causes. A headache diary can be an important tool in diagnosis. Nice has recommended evidence-based treatments for the common primary headaches.
Resources
- Headaches in over 12s ; diagnosis and management (NICE)
- BMJ article “Headaches
- BASH guidelines for the management of headache
- NICE CKS – Headache assessment
- HIS comprehensive classification of headaches
- NICE CKS Migraine in pregnant or breast feeding women
- Cochrane review - Drugs for the acute treatment of migraine in children and adolescents
- BMJ best practice - migraine headache in children
- Organisation for Understanding Cluster Headaches (OUCH) patient resources and help
- The migraine trust – patient support