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Semin Neurol 2003; 23(3): 265-276
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-814738
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Chronic Daily Headache: A Rational Approach to a Challenging Problem

Jonathan Gladstone1 , Eric Eross2 , David Dodick3
  • 1Headache Fellow, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
  • 2Associate Consultant, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
  • 3Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 January 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a significant public health problem with 3 to 5% of the population worldwide experiencing daily or near-daily headaches. Patients with CDH can be particularly challenging, and clinicians require a systematic approach to help guide investigations and management. The revised 2004 International Headache Society Classification Criteria introduces formalized criteria for several CDH disorders including chronic migraine and medication overuse headache as well as new daily persistent headache, hemicrania continua, hypnic headache, and SUNCT syndrome. Medication overuse is common in patients with CDH who present to physicians. Familiarity and comfort with drug-withdrawal and detoxification strategies is therefore essential. Patients with chronic migraine and chronic cluster experience significant disability and diminished quality of life. The ability to manage these patients effectively is a rewarding clinical experience.

KEYWORDS

Chronic daily headache - medication overuse headache - migraine - cluster headache

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