Best practices for patients with chronic migraine: burden, diagnosis, and management in primary care

Amaal J Starling; David W Dodick

doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.01.010

Best practices for patients with chronic migraine: burden, diagnosis, and management in primary care

Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Mar;90(3):408-14. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.01.010.

Authors

Amaal J Starling¹, David W Dodick²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ.

PMID: 25744118
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.01.010

Abstract

Headache and migraine are common medical complaints among patients visiting primary care physicians (PCPs). A number of these patients may have chronic migraine, which is more difficult to diagnose and manage than many other headache disorders. Identification of those at risk, correct diagnosis, and establishment of a comprehensive management plan for patients with chronic migraine will require a joint effort between the PCP and the headache specialist. Together, the PCP and headache specialist will need to assess the patient for modifiable exacerbating factors and comorbidities while managing prophylactic and as-needed therapies. Herein, we provide a review of chronic migraine for the PCP and describe tools for improving patient care.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Chronic Disease
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Disease Management
Drug Therapy / methods
Exercise
Humans
Migraine Disorders / diagnosis*
Migraine Disorders / therapy*
Primary Health Care*
Quality of Life