Headache evaluation and management.

Headache is one of the most common complaints in primary care, virtually affecting all persons at some point. Headache may be a symptom of other pathology (secondary headache) or due to a primary headache disorder. Tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches are three primary headache syndromes, in order of most frequently occurring to least. The key to effective management of these chronic syndromes is differential diagnosis through history, physical exam, and possibly diagnostic studies. Pharmacologic management may include abortive, adjunctive, and prophylactice medications.