Headache Disorders: A Management Guide for Practitioners

This concise and practical reference focuses on the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for primary headache disorders. Two nationally recognized headache specialists - and founders of a centre dedicated solely to headache disorders - provide guidelines for managing conditions ranging from the simpler forms of migraine to complex chronic daily headaches associated with medication overuse and co-morbid psychiatric symptoms. Demonstrates how to take a proper history, interpret presenting symptoms, and choose appropriate testing to make an accurate diagnosis. Offers a step-by-step approach to treatment planning, supported by coverage of typical problems, case presentations, and the use of calendars to log and track patient complaints. Discusses the wide-spread prevalence of headache disorders and common misdiagnoses to help guard against ineffective treatment. Features 'red flags' that signal possible organic and dangerous causes of headache conditions. Reviews the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders to help provide rationales for treatment. Provides both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures for treatment, with an emphasis on securing patient compliance. Explores psychiatric aspects from biological, psychological, and behavioral viewpoints. Gives ER and refractory patient treatment protocols.