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Overview
Depending on a patient’s headache history, providers might need to determine if the headache is primary or secondary and decide if further testing is necessary. Our experts put together resources to help you identify red flags in headache medicine, concerning changes in headache history and more.
Test Your Knowledge
Videos
Migraine Basics
Changes in Headache History: When to be Concerned
Headache disorders can be a difficult health issue to address. They can be further complicated, however, by changes in headache or symptoms. Brian Plato, DO, FAHS, explains which changes in headache history are cause for concern and how providers can help.
Migraine Basics
Primary vs. Secondary Headache
When diagnosing patients with migraine, healthcare providers must determine whether a headache is primary or secondary. Learn more about telling the difference.
News & Articles
Updated Guidelines for Neuroimaging in Migraine
Researchers update evidence-based recommendations about when to obtain neuroimaging in patients with migraine. In DecemberRead More
Red Flags in Headache History
Brian Plato, DO, FAHS, talks about when healthcare professionals should be concerned about a secondaryRead More
Migraine and Brain Lesions: Q&A With Dr. Peter Goadsby
Patients with migraine are often concerned that the disorder will lead to permanent damage. ThisRead More
Podcasts
Red Flags in Headache -- What if it isn't Migraine?
About 80-90% of the headaches are primary headaches, but the other 10-20% are secondary—caused by something else, usually an underlying condition or side effect of medication. This episode, Dr. Rebecca Michael dives into the “red flags” to look out for when making a diagnosis.
Asking the Right Questions to Diagnose Migraine
Dr. Brian Plato explains how providers can diagnose migraine through a systematic set of questions to feel confident in their diagnosis.
Resources
Patient Resources
What Type of Headache Do You Have? | American Migraine Foundation
Use our guide to help narrow down the most common types of migraine to find out what kind of headache you have. Read More
Changes in your headache symptoms may possibly indicate complications. Find out what symptoms to watch for and when to see a doctor.Read More
When is an MRI necessary for kids with headaches? Dr. Meghan S. Candee offers insights on how to discuss imaging for children to parents.Read More
If you've never been to a headache specialist before, read our checklist to prepare for your visit and get the right treatment.Read More
While lifestyle and medical factors that affect migraine differ for everyone, addressing them can impact how you feel. These tools can help you manage them.Read More
Dr. Andrew Hershey outlines migraine’s contributing factors and what you can do to prevent a migraine attack.Read More
Dawn Buse, PhD, FAHS, discusses how patients can establish a strong doctor-patient relationship with their health care provider.Read More
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