Professional Guidelines

Introduction

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints, afflicting millions worldwide. Deciphering their diverse types and navigating optimal treatment can be a complex challenge. This section aims to equip you with the latest evidence-based guidance from leading professional organizations, empowering you to effectively manage headaches in your patients.

Figure 2-1: Differential Diagnosis of Headache

Guidelines

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical research, professional organizations play a crucial role in translating scientific advancements into practical clinical recommendations. By reviewing available evidence and convening expert panels, they establish standardized guidelines that ensure optimal patient care. These guidelines provide a framework for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, promoting consistency and minimizing practice variations.

AHS Guidelines for the Acute Management of Migraine covers diagnosis, acute treatment options, and non-pharmacological approaches. Key points include: Use evidence-based treatments, early treatment, routes of administration, tolerability and safety issues and self-administered rescue treatments.
AAN Guidelines for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine in Adults focuses on preventive medications and strategies for reducing migraine frequency and severity.
IHS International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) is a detailed hierarchical classification of all headache-related disorders. It’s published by the International Headache Society. The ICHD is an algorithmic system that defines and classifies all known headache disorders. The ICHD-3 classifies headaches into 14 categories (Table 1-1)

Professional organizations

Professional organizations play a pivotal role in translating the ever-evolving landscape of headache research into practical clinical recommendations. This section delves into key resources that offer evidence-based guidance for managing diverse headache types.

American Headache Society (AHS) is a leading organization for headache research and education. AHS offers comprehensive guidelines for various headache types, including acute treatment and prevention.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is a professional organization of neurologists with specific headache-focused guidelines. AAN offers additional insights and recommendations alongside the AHS guidelines.
American College of Physicians (ACP) provides practical clinical practice guidelines with evidence-based recommendations for primary care physicians. Their guidelines often include initial management and referral advice for headaches.
International Headache Society (IHS) provides valuable insights into headache diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Their guidelines focus on standardizing diagnostic criteria and ensuring accurate identification of headache types.

Additional Resources

By leveraging the expertise of leading professional organizations and their evidence-based guidelines, you can confidently deliver optimal care to your patients. These resources may also be helpful.

National Headache Foundation (NHF) is a nonprofit organization focusing on public education and awareness about headaches. Offers summaries and interpretations of major guidelines in layman's terms.
American Migraine Foundation (AMF): is an organization dedicated to migraine research and patient support. Offers patient-oriented resources based on current guidelines.
NHF Headache Classification Chart: Demystify the types of headaches with this visual guide.
Headache Diagnosis Guide (Table 1-2)