Beyond Migraine, Tension, and Cluster Headaches: The Other Primary Headaches

Abstract

Health care providers (HCPs) encounter patients with headache complaints frequently in both outpatient and emergency department settings. Although HCPs are well-educated regarding migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches, they may not be as familiar with the clinical presentation and management of the other primary headaches. Other primary headaches are less common and can be a diagnostic challenge for providers. Increasing awareness about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and recommended management of this fourth category of primary headaches enables HCPs to rule out more serious secondary causes, leading to a more timely diagnosis and treatment plan.