Q. What do diagnosing headache and migraine and a dog’s breakfast have in common?
A. It’s all over the place!
Diagnosing headache and migraine and associated challenges are expressed in a recent article by Sun-Edelstein et al 2008. Since the diagnostic classification was published, there have been many attempts to confirm or otherwise the accuracy of the criteria. Because of the multiple revisions since, there exists a great deal of controversy and significant confusion, with headache specialists unsure as to which criteria to use.
Many patients after having received an initial diagnosis, receive a second, with some getting 3-4 diagnoses! This is clearly unsatisfactory… and is the result of an unproved assumption. The various types of headache and migraine are not separate entities with different pathophysiological mechanisms, they are on a continuum… different expressions of a shared, common (and often worsening) disorder and that is a sensitised brainstem.
Until next time
Dr Dean H Watson PhD Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
MAppSc(Res) GradDipAdvManipTher(Hons) DipTechPhty
If you are new to Watson Headache®, welcome to the Watson Headache® Approach, an evidence-informed practice when considering the role of the neck in Cervicogenic and Primary Headache.
Watson Headache and its third party partners use cookies. Cookies permit us to uniquely identify a person to personalise content and ads and analyse traffic. Read the Privacy Policy for more details. Do you accept or reject cookies? AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Diagnosing Headache and Migraine
A Dog’s Breakfast
Q. What do diagnosing headache and migraine and a dog’s breakfast have in common?
A. It’s all over the place!
Diagnosing headache and migraine and associated challenges are expressed in a recent article by Sun-Edelstein et al 2008. Since the diagnostic classification was published, there have been many attempts to confirm or otherwise the accuracy of the criteria. Because of the multiple revisions since, there exists a great deal of controversy and significant confusion, with headache specialists unsure as to which criteria to use.
Many patients after having received an initial diagnosis, receive a second, with some getting 3-4 diagnoses! This is clearly unsatisfactory… and is the result of an unproved assumption. The various types of headache and migraine are not separate entities with different pathophysiological mechanisms, they are on a continuum… different expressions of a shared, common (and often worsening) disorder and that is a sensitised brainstem.
Until next time
If you are new to Watson Headache®, welcome to the Watson Headache® Approach, an evidence-informed practice when considering the role of the neck in Cervicogenic and Primary Headache.
Articles
Side-locked Unilaterality: Cervicogenic or Another Secondary Headache?
Alternating Unilateral Head Pain: The Elephant in the Room
Cervicogenic Headache: Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride
C2-3 The Most Common Source Of Headache
Misconception 6 of 10
Misconception 5 of 10
Outcomes For Chronic Headache Patients
Active Cervical Range of Movement
Misconception 4 of 10
Greater Occipital Nerve
Misconception 3 of 10
Misconception 2 of 10
Misconception 1 of 10
The General Practitioner
Migraine and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Secondary Headache or another Primary Headache?
Medical Diagnosis
Examining the Upper Cervical Spine
‘Yellow Flags’ in Chronic Pain
Cervicogenic Headache