The aim of treatment is to manage the pain effectively, taking into account the specific features of the primary headache disorders, and to preserve the patient's functional and psychosocial quality of life as far as possible.
The other conditions in the category of primary headache disorders (for example stabbing headache, hypnic headache and other types) are encountered only rarely and require a specific diagnostic approach. Treatment protocols may differ for each type.
Treatment of primary headache disorders is based first of all on establishing an accurate diagnosis. The doctor determines the type of pain using the history, a neurological examination, brain imaging and other necessary laboratory and functional tests.
Then, in order to prevent the pain, appropriate treatment is prescribed. In each case the choice of medication is based on the pathophysiological mechanism of the pain and on the patient's individual characteristics.
Non-drug treatments (relaxation, behavioural therapy, biofeedback, physiotherapy and so on) are widely used complementary methods and can help to reduce the frequency and severity of the pain.