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Emergency department evaluation of headache
1Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Headache Unit, Bronx, New York, USA.
Neurologic Clinics
|May 13, 1998
Summary
Headaches are a common emergency department visit, but most are not serious. This guide offers an approach to evaluating and treating common headache causes in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Headache is a frequent reason for emergency department (ED) visits, comprising up to 16% of all cases.
- While over 300 conditions can cause headaches, most are benign.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for evaluating patients presenting with headaches in the ED.
- To discuss emergency treatment strategies for prevalent headache types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and clinical experience synthesis.
- Development of a structured diagnostic and treatment algorithm.
Main Results:
- The majority of headaches encountered in the ED are not indicative of serious underlying pathology.
- A structured approach aids in differentiating benign headaches from those requiring urgent intervention.
Conclusions:
- Effective evaluation and management of headaches in the ED are achievable through a systematic approach.
- Timely and appropriate treatment can improve patient outcomes for common headache disorders.