General approach to headache diagnosis and treatment management

Headache is common worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability. Given its high prevalence and high burden in terms of disability, it is important for clinicians to have general knowledge about the approach to the patient presenting with headache. Headache disorders are classified according to their etiology. The most important step in the approach to headache is to investigate the presence of a secondary cause of pain with a detailed history and physical examination. The presence of symptoms and signs considered as red flags requires further investigation in terms of secondary causes. Treatment of pain is also directed towards the etiology. Treatment of secondary headache disorders is directed towards the cause of the pain. In primary causes, there are some pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment approaches for the diagnosis.