The differential diagnosis and management of headaches in primary care and their relevance in the UK armed forces

Abstract

As with the general population, headaches are commonly suffered by members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces. These are often managed by patients with over-the-counter medication without the involvement of healthcare professionals. Patients may present to medical teams when deployed because of limited access to over-the-counter medication or because of concerns about the cause of the headache. This article will examine the differential diagnosis and management of headaches in primary care as well as considering the occupational and operational aspects related to the Royal Navy (RN). The aim is to equip General Practitioners (GPs) and General Duties Medical Officers (GDMOs) with the clinical knowledge to diagnose various common forms of headaches and to detect the red flag symptoms that warrant further investigation. This article will also make specific reference to the service person and the impact of headaches on occupational functioning and operational capability.