Chronic daily headache

Susan Hutchinson1

  • 1Department of Family Practice, University of Irvine, 101 City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, USA. wbfpd@cox.com

Primary Care
|June 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a complex condition requiring better recognition and treatment. This overview provides updated diagnostic criteria and practical management strategies for subtypes like chronic migraine and tension-type headache.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic daily headache (CDH) presents significant challenges for healthcare providers.
  • CDH is often misunderstood, impacting patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the scope of chronic daily headache.
  • To update readers on revised diagnostic criteria for CDH.
  • To provide practical insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CDH.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
  • Discussion of diagnostic criteria for CDH.
  • Exploration of treatment strategies for CDH subtypes.

Main Results:

  • Four primary subtypes of CDH are detailed: chronic tension-type headache, chronic migraine, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua.
  • Revised diagnostic criteria for CDH are presented.
  • Practical diagnostic and treatment approaches are outlined.

Conclusions:

  • Improved recognition and management of CDH are crucial.
  • Effective treatment can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with CDH.
  • Understanding CDH subtypes aids in targeted therapeutic interventions.

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