This book synthesizes the current research on headache triggers and details how improving the measurement properties of trigger assessments can benefit clinical and research efforts. The book begins with a detailed exploration of the history of triggers and their use in attempts to assign causes to headache attacks. Subsequent chapters then expound on the existing schools of thought on headache triggers with discussions of understudied influences on the causal assignment process, such as the role of individual trigger beliefs and perceptions. After laying this groundwork, the practical application of trigger assessment is thoroughly detailed, including assessment design types and methods of analysis. Chapters then outline the applications of trigger assessment in research and clinical practice. To conclude, the book relays descriptions of future directions and evolving theories in the area. Concise and comprehensive, Assessing Headache Triggers is an invaluable resource for clinicians who treat patients and investigators who aim to improve the lives of individuals with headache through their research.

Migraine is an extremely common condition affecting 28 million Americans. Fully 1 in every 6 adult women suffers from this malady. Patients with migraine are frequently seen in the Emergency Room and Urgent Care Clinic for acute treatment of their headaches. Headache generally accounts for nearly 3 % of all ER visits, resulting in almost 3.5 million visits annually. There currently are no widely used guidelines for the treatment of patients with headache in the ER or UCC, and reducing the number of CT scans remains a key goal for administrators in many ER or urgent care settings. In one study, 35 drugs, alone or in combination, were used to treat migraine. The most common medication class used was narcotics, which were used in 25% of the visits. The next two most commonly used classes were antiemetics and NSAIDs. Only 5% of patients seen for headache received headache-specific medications during their visit. ER and Urgent Care physicians generally have little or no formal training in treating these patients. Consequently, they often feel less comfortable ruling out secondary causes of headaches and using appropriate headache treatment medications and procedures. Since many patients have received narcotics in previous visits, providers may view them as drug seekers. Patients seen in ERs and UCCs for acute treatment of their headaches often report high levels of dissatisfaction. They often end up in the ER or UCC because they don’t have a formal treatment strategy for their severe headaches. Health plans and insurance agencies are often frustrated by the high cost of fragmented care for patients with headaches. Because of the environment that most ER and UCC providers operate in, many unnecessary scans and tests are done because of uncertainty of the diagnosis and unfamiliarity of the patient. Primary care physicians are also frustrated by patients with headaches presenting to them after being seen in the ER or UCC, wanting a refill of their narcotics that they were given. Many patients don’t follow up with their PCPs and simply keep returning to the ER/UCC for their treatment. In short, all involved in the care for patients with headache are frustrated by the current system. The care for these patients is clearly not optimal. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are a wide variety of effective treatment options available, but are underutilized in the acute setting. With these treatment options, patients no longer have to be treated only with parenteral narcotics, only to perpetuate the cycle of suboptimal care described above. This concise handbook covers all aspects of acute headache care, including care of the child and adolescent with acute headaches, treatment of pregnant and breastfeeding women with acute headaches and appropriate evaluation of secondary headaches. In addition, two other novel chapters are included: one on caring for older patients with acute headaches as well as a chapter describing how to ensure a seamless transition of the patient back to a headache interested provider. Representing an important milestone in the care of patients with headache, this is the first concise handbook available to exclusively address the issue of headache treatment in the acute care setting. Including protocols and strategies that can be used right away, Management of Headaches in Emergency Room and Urgent Care Settings: Diagnosis and Management provides information about lesser known, but effective strategies such as greater occipital nerve blocks that can be easily learned and incorporated in the acute care setting. It emphasizes the continuity of care that is so vital to keep headache patients from returning to the ER and UCC for acute treatment.

Fifteen specialists serve as chapter authors, covering sex hormones and genetics, as well as the social, cultural, psychiatric, and psychological factors that contribute to headache disorders. Their approach is evidence-based, but where there are gaps in research, the authors provide advice based on expert consensus and clinical experience. Each chapter opens with a case report that synthesizes the chapter's treatment recommendations, as well as key points listing the chapter's contents. The main body of the chapter features an introductory overview, a closing summary, tables, and an extensive list of suggestive reading.

This book provides a detailed overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of both primary headaches – migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and cluster headache – and the very important and frequent type of secondary headache, medication overuse headache (MOH). After an introductory chapter describing relevant neuroanatomy and vascular anatomy, the evidence gained from animal models regarding the pathophysiology of migraine and the other primary headaches is reviewed. Knowledge of the genetic component in the different types of headache is then examined with reference to recent evidence, for example regarding the implication of the trigeminovascular system and cortical spreading depression in migraine. Detailed information is provided on insights into primary headaches from imaging studies, including functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography and on their neurophysiology and biochemistry. A further series of important chapters describe present knowledge of the pathophysiology of each specific type of headache and consider future directions. Written by acknowledged experts in their fields from Europe and the United States, clinicians and students will find Pathophysiology of Headaches to be an excellent source of up-to-date information on why patients experience headaches. In addition, it will be of value for pain researchers investigating the underlying mechanisms of headache.

Discussing real-world cases, this practical guide highlights areas of diagnostic uncertainty and shows common pitfalls in headache diagnosis and treatment.

The most comprehensive guide ever created for head, face, and neck (HFN) pain, this multi-author book offers the very latest research and therapeutic information on this important and hugely interdisciplinary topic. A unique professional reference, it is also easy to use as a textbook within diverse educational institutions and programs. Content adheres strictly to the latest established guidelines for pain management in the medical and dental professions.

Prehospital Care of Neurologic Emergencies is a reliable and definitive resource for emergency medical services personnel at multiple levels: physicians, paramedics, nurses and others who encounter these critically ill patients. This focused and succinct book addresses the management of a wide range of neurologic emergencies, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and seizures. In these emergencies time is critical, and the simply presented, straightforward format of the patient care and management recommendations help readers to treat patients rapidly and confidently. Each chapter follows a standard format that includes an overview of each neurologic emergency, important background, key challenges, and areas requiring future investigation. This book is unlikely to be placed on your bookshelf; instead, you will keep it nearby for times when you face life-threatening neurologic emergencies. When seconds count, this book has the answers.