Abstract Body

Background

Headache is one of the most common reasons a patient seeks a consultation in primary care, with a prevalence of 66% and a high burden regarding work absence.

Primary headache disorders are the most common, but this complaint may also be a symptom of other pathologies - secondary headache. Although less frequent, the later usually represent severe conditions.

Chronic headache treatment is often suboptimal and many patients that should be taking prophylactic therapy are doing acute treatments, not controlling the disease and also putting themselves at risk for medication overuse headache.

An effective management of chronic headaches can be quite challenging for the General Practicioner (GP), but is mandatory in order to improve quality of life for patients suffering from it.

Aim and learning objectives

This workshop aims to provide the tools for GP’s to effectively manage these chronic syndromes, performing a correct differential diagnosis through history, physical exam, and possibly diagnostic studies. Also, non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic management (abortive, adjunctive or prophylactic) will be discussed.

Methods and timetable

In this one-hour workshop, the most recent evidence regarding this subject will be reviewed in a viewer-friendly environment, leading the attendees to a participated learning process about headache. The basis for this workshop will be the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition.

Conclusions

Headache remains an important health problem, very common in primary care and with a high associated burden.

Health providers education about headache is essential to improve its management in primary care, leading to a prompt diagnosis and more effective treatment and follow-up.