Headache

Abstract

It is an honor to introduce this issue of Seminars in Neurology that is dedicated to the topic of headache disorders. Headache remains one of the commonest symptoms to afflict humanity. This high frequency is reflected in primary care where headache is one of the top 10 symptoms for which patients are seen in the ambulatory care setting. Headache is also the commonest symptom that leads to neurologic consultation. Despite the high prevalence in practice, headache disorders have historically received little attention in medical school and in graduate medicine programs—including neurology residencies. Fortunately, headache medicine is being recognized more and more by academic centers where headache medicine specialists are increasingly found in departments of neurology. In addition, the United Council of Medical Specialties now accredits headache medicine fellowship programs and offers a headache medicine specialty certification exam. Over 200 physicians have now been certified in headache medicine. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of headache disorders has paralleled the emergence of headache medicine as a specialty. In addition, there are increasing options that can lead to the effective management of headache disorders.