ABSTRACT
Headache is a common complaint in the primary care office and the emergency setting. Emergency department visits for headache can be up to 4%.1 While some have a history of chronic headaches and are only seeking pain relief, others have not experienced similar pain previously and are concerned that they might have a serious medical condition. The International Headache Society has classified headaches into primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are mostly benign and represent the majority of headaches. This group consists of migraines, tension, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches have underlying pathology and represent approximately 4% of headaches seen in the ED.1 In certain populations, it may be as high as 15%.2
