[New-Onset Headache in Adults: Evidence-Based Assessment in the Primary Care Setting]

New-Onset Headache in Adults: Evidence-Based Assessment in the Primary Care Setting Abstract. Many people suffer from headaches. Primary (idiopathic) headaches such as migraine and tension type headaches are most common. They may significantly affect occupational and social aspects of daily life, but are usually not dangerous. On the contrary, secondary (symptomatic) headaches may be a symptom for an underlying life-threatening disorder. In these cases, the primary care physician may need to organize certain diagnostic measures such as brain imaging, blood work or lumbar puncture. Sometimes, emergency hospital admission may be required. In this article we summarize the recommended steps for the assessment of new-onset headaches in patients visiting the primary care practice.