In this episode of CME on the Go, our hosts discuss the complexities of diagnosing and treating headaches in primary care. They cover common challenges faced by family physicians, such as differentiating between primary and secondary headaches, the importance of taking thorough patient histories, and the appropriate use of diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans. The episode offers a deep dive into treatment options for headaches, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods, with a special focus on managing chronic daily headaches, migraine disorders, and medication overuse headaches. The discussion also touches on the role of cognitive behavioral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and the efficacy of various medications like NSAIDs, triptans, and beta blockers. After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19579/e Learning Objectives Apply a standardized, evidence-informed diagnostic and treatment algorithm for evaluating patients with headache, while acknowledging alternative approaches. Differentiate between appropriate and potentially problematic interventions, including the use of narcotics, in-office procedures, and newer pharmacologic therapies. Reflect on provider discomfort and fatigue in managing headache complaints, and develop strategies to maintain empathy, clinical consistency, and patient rapport. References and Resources Bahra, A., & Evans, R. W. (2021). The secondary headaches. Cephalalgia, 41(4), 427-430. Jairo Hernandez, Eduardo Molina, Ashley Rodriguez, Samuel Woodford, Andrew Nguyen, Grace Parker, Brandon Lucke-Wold. Headache Disorders: Differentiating Primary and Secondary Etiologies. J. Integr. Neurosci. 2024, 23(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2302043 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211823000052#bib0003 Novel screening tool for secondary headache in acute care—A pilot study. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinme.2023.100005 https://ichd-3.org/ Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.
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