Migraine Management in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Headache is one of the most common complaints seen in the emergency department, accounting for more than 5 million visits annually. 1 Ahmed Z.A. Nacopoulos D.A. John S. Papesh N. Levine D. Bamford C.C. An algorithm for opioid and barbiturate reduction in the acute management of headache in the emergency department. Headache. 2017; 57: 71-79https://doi.org/10.1111/head.12961 Crossref PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar Headache is consistently the fourth to fifth leading cause of visits to the emergency department, accounting for approximately 3% of all ED visits annually. 2 Burch R.C. Rizzoli P. Loder E. The prevalence and impact of migraine and severe headache in the United States: figures and trends from government health studies. Headache. 2018; 58: 496-505https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13281 Crossref PubMed Scopus (148) Google Scholar Many treatment options are available for headache, but the advanced practice provider must be aware of the different types of headaches to treat them effectively. Life-threatening neurologic conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis should be ruled out before treatment. This article will focus on non–life-threatening headache syndromes, primarily migraine headaches, along with different treatment modalities, including emerging treatments. Nycole Oliver, Member, Arkansas Chapter, is a Nurse Practitioner, Baptist Health-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR. Twitter: @APRNSmartypants .