OBJECTIVES: To increase the use of evidence-informed approaches for the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of headache for patients in primary care. To promote appropriate specialist referrals and use of diagnostic tests in patients with headache. To provide guidance on the parenteral pharmacological treatment of refractory migraine attacks for use in appropriate settings where parenteral medications can be safely administered. To encourage patients to engage in appropriate self-management. TARGET POPULATION: Adult patients 18 years or older in primary care settings EXCLUSIONS: Some guidance on the use of parenteral medications for refractory migraine attacks is given, but this guideline does not provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of patients with headache in emergency departments or inpatient settings. Although some advice is provided regarding the diagnosis and investigation of secondary headache disorders, and the management of cervicogenic headache and temporomandibular disorder is discussed briefly, the guideline does not provide advice on the management of other secondary headache disorders. This guideline does not provide advice on the diagnosis and management of headache in children and adolescents.

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Additional document(s) available for this guideline:

• quick reference guide
• consumer resource