Migraine and other severe recurrent headache disorders are highly prevalent disabling conditions, and are a common reason for presentation to primary care. Headaches can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, resulting in huge costs to healthcare and the economy. This highlights the importance of being able to assess, diagnose and manage this symptom appropriately within the time constraints of a 10-minute consultation. This article will focus on an approach to the assessment of patients presenting with headache and a framework for managing the headache disorders commonly encountered in primary care.
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