Migraine and Other Headache Disorders

This chapter presents the background, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, special populations, prognosis and reading list for migraine and other headache disorders. Tension-type headache is the most common variety of headache. However, it is never disabling and typically responds to simple OTC medications. Most patients who seek care for their headache do not have tension-type headaches. Sinus headache is overdiagnosed and most who have the diagnosis of sinus headache have migraines. Migraineurs often have a spectrum of headaches, including tension-type headaches and mixed headaches. The diagnosis of migraine is clinical, and usually based upon an individual and family history. Children who are carsick or have recurring vomiting or abdominal pain, particularly if they have a migrainous parent, are likely to develop migraine. Those with comorbid hypertension and migraine might benefit from the use of an appropriate beta-blocker or possibly verapamil, lisinopril, or candesartan.