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Chronic headaches in family practice.
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45267-0582.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Migraine and headache management has advanced with new classifications and treatments. Serotonin agonists like sumatriptan show promise for acute migraine, while patient education and non-pharmacological approaches are key for comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine affects over 11 million Americans, causing significant suffering and lost workdays.
- Effective headache management is crucial for family physicians who treat most headache patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current advances in headache and migraine management.
- To highlight new diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE, Headache, Cephalalgia, and major headache society proceedings (1982-present).
- Keywords included: headache, migraine, serotonin, cerebral circulation.
Main Results:
- A new International Headache Society classification aids diagnosis.
- Analgesic overmedication can cause chronic daily headaches, with new treatments available.
- Serotonin receptor research has advanced understanding of headache mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Sumatriptan, a novel serotonin agonist, is effective for acute migraine.
- Comprehensive management includes pharmacologic treatments, patient education, relaxation therapy, and non-pharmacological approaches.
- Family physicians can effectively implement these strategies for headache patients.