Treating Migraine

Although almost all headaches are primary in nature and can be managed by primary care physicians,^{[1, 2]} it is essential that correct screening and diagnosis procedures are undertaken to minimise the distress and pain experienced by patients.

• Screening
• Diagnosis

Data from the Landmark study showed that headache sufferers who consulted their primary care physician and had high impact, episodic headaches almost always had migraine. Despite this, physicians only diagnosed migraine correctly in about 50% of cases.

References:
1. Dowson AJ, Sender J, Lipscombe S, Cady RK, Tepper SJ, Smith R, et al. Establishing principles for migraine management in primary care. Int J Clin Pract 2003;57: 493-507.
2. Dowson AJ, Lipscombe S, Sender J, Rees T, Watson D. New guidelines for the management of migraine in primary care. Curr Med Res Opin 2002;18: 414-39.