Headache as a reason for consultation: the primary care perspective

Headache is a frequent reason for consultation with primary care (PC) physicians. However, the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. One reason for this may be the lack of specific training on headache in PC.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of data gathered with a self-administered survey that was completed by PC physicians from our health district. We collected sociodemographic data and information on previous training in neurology and headache, and training needs.

The survey was completed by 104 PC physicians, 53% of whom were women; mean age was 49 years. Most respondents worked in urban settings (42.3%) and had been trained via residency (77.9%). Although 65.4% spent more time with patients with headache than with other patients, only 32.7% used the International Classification of Headache Disorders. In our sample, 68.3% of respondents reported a high or very high interest in headache, and 75.9% wished to receive further training on the condition; theoretical and practical courses and update lectures were regarded as the most useful tools. In clinical practice, 90% used triptans and 78% used preventive treatments. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline; only 22.1% choose topiramate.

PC physicians are in frequent contact with patients with headache and show interest in receiving training on this condition. This could be helpful in designing training programmes aimed at improving quality of care in this area.