Neurologists consequently see a lot of patients with headache and the condition is very disabling for individuals. A diagnosis, empathy and effective treatment make a huge difference to the patient and can be very rewarding for the clinician. The purpose of this article, the first of two linked articles, is to provide an up-to-date overview of the pharmacological management of common headache disorders (as well as a limited number of non-pharmaceutical strategies).

In neurological practice, headache accounts for 25% of new referrals and yet a large proportion of these patients feel dissatisfied even if they make it to the neurology clinic, partly due to a reported lack of interest in the disorder by the reviewing neurologist. 2 Most patients with headache have migraine, and when this diagnosis is made it is usually correct (98%). 3 However, a quarter of patients with migraine have as their diagnosis missed. Furthermore, of those identified as a non-migrainous primary headache, 82% actually have migraine or probable migraine. 3

Headache is listed among the WHO's major causes of disability with a global prevalence of 47% (symptoms occurring at least once in the past year). It is the commonest neurological syndrome presenting to primary care with 3% of adults consulting a general practitioner for headache each year. 1 Women are disproportionately affected (3:1) and its higher prevalence among those of working age adds to the socioeconomic burden with loss of productivity, estimated at £2.25 billion per year in the UK. 2

Migraine is a common and disabling primary headache disorder and is the focus of this article. We also briefly consider the other common primary headache disorders, tension-type headache, cluster headache and also the management of medication-overuse headache.

In European populations, the annual sex-adjusted prevalence for tension-type headache is 35%, for migraine is 38%, but for cluster headache is only 0.15%. 4 , 5 These three together comprise the most prevalent primary headache disorders. The remaining primary headache diagnoses—all relatively rare—include paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks, hypnic headache and new daily persistent headache. Table 1 outlines the features that help to distinguish these disorders.

Migraine

The changing theories of migraine The vascular hypothesis was central to early understanding of migraine pathophysiology. Its central premise was that intracranial vasoconstriction caused the aura, while reflexive secondary vasodilatation generated pain through perivascular nerves. However, advances in intracerebral blood flow imaging have largely refuted this hypothesis. The neurovascular hypothesis posits that migraine is a disorder of the endogenous pain modulating systems, particularly the subcortical structures. These include diencephalic and brainstem nuclei that can modulate the perception of activation of the trigeminovascular system, which carries sensory information from the cranial vasculature to the brain. Moreover, the involvement of a multisensory disturbance that includes light, sound and smell, as well as nausea, suggests the problem may more broadly involve central modulation of afferent traffic. Brain imaging studies in migraine suggest that subcortical structures are important causing migraine. Thus, it may be considered an inherited dysfunction of sensory modulatory networks with the dominant disturbance affecting abnormal processing of essentially normal neural traffic.

Diagnosis and assessment The first step is the accurate and positive diagnosis of migraine; this is usually straightforward. To select the most appropriate management, the migraine phenotype needs to be categorised as either episodic (occurring on fewer than 15 days a month) or chronic (occurring on more than 15 days a month, for over 3 months and with migrainous headaches on at least 8 days a month). The clinician should scrutinise the history for sinister features. If there is a strictly unilateral headache, consider hemicrania continua and conduct an indometacin challenge. Look out for medication-overuse headache, as this frequently coexists with migraine. We frequently use a headache diary to quantify the headache and to provide a contemporary record of pain, as otherwise this can suffer from recall bias. The diaries also assist when monitoring the treatment response, identifying triggers, the relationship to menses and the frequency of analgesic use. Questionnaires can help to determine the degree of disability at baseline and to evaluate the response to treatment (such as the Headache Impact Test (HIT 6), the Migraine Disabilities Assessment Test (MIDAS)). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) can also help to assess the emotional and psychiatric comorbidity. This is particularly important in these patients and may influence the decision on preventative therapy, since many of these can exacerbate depression and anxiety.

Non-pharmacological management of migraine Although an enquiry about migraine triggers is useful, in reality certain triggers cannot be avoided (eg, lack of sleep, too much sleep, stress, heat). It may also be difficult to distinguish a true migraine trigger from premonitory symptoms occurring in the period before an attack (food cravings, fatigue, irritability). Patients who seek a therapeutic intervention yet are reluctant to use medication have several options. Neurostimulation is one possibility and we shall cover this in the linked article. The UK's National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE guideline CG 150) also advocates acupuncture an alternative second-line therapy for migraine. Although there are limited data to support its use in migraines, it is safe, and many patients have at least considered this before attending the clinic. A large study comparing acupuncture with a sham procedure and with standard migraine prophylactics found no significant difference between treatment groups in the number of migraine days, although all interventions were effective.6 Furthermore, acupuncture appears to improve health-related quality of life for many chronic migraineurs at relatively low cost.7 In many hospitals, the physiotherapy department offers an acupuncture service, but patients can also access it from primary care. Cognitive behavioural therapy with a trained clinical psychologist may help, particularly combined with medication, but there is very limited evidence of efficacy. Many patients understandably have negative thoughts and emotions linked to the headache pain. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help to explore these and potentially lessen this burden, thereby also reducing anxiety.

Acute management of migraine Practice has gradually shifted from a treatment paradigm involving gradually escalating abortive therapy towards now starting with combination therapy—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or paracetamol and triptan—from the outset (box 1).8 This shift follows the NICE (CG150) guideline's cost–utility analysis, which evaluated costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) outcome measures. Based on this analysis, triptan plus NSAIDs combination was more effective than other acute migraine approaches, including triptan monotherapy (box 1 shows costs for various triptans); this, therefore, offers patients the best hope of rapid migraine resolution for an acute attack.9 The guideline's recommendation includes an antiemetic, even if nausea is not pronounced, to counter gastric stasis and so facilitating tablet absorption and pain relief. Last year, the European Medicines Agency issued a warning about domperidone being associated with a small risk of sudden cardiac death and fatal arrhythmias, particularly in those aged over 60 years. They recommended avoiding its prolonged use or doses above 30 mg daily. Patients taking medications that prolong the electrocardiography Q wave to T wave interval should avoid it and those with cardiac comorbidities should exercise caution. NICE recommends avoiding ergots and opioids. Box 1 Acute management of migraine Acute migraine management National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines Combination therapy: triptan+non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or paracetamol+antiemetic Alternatively (per patient request): a single agent (triptan, NSAID or paracetamol)±antiemetic NSAID Aspirin 600–900 mg (ideally effervescent)

Ibuprofen 600–800 mg

Naproxen 500–1000 mg

Diclofenac 50–75 mg (or 100 mg suppository)

Tolfenamic acid 200 mg Antiemetics For nausea and/or as a prokinetics such as Domperidone 10 mg up to three times a day (or 60 mg suppository)

Metoclopramide 10 mg

Prochlorperazine 3–6 mg as buccal preparation

The triptans We advise patients to use a triptan at the start of the headache phase of a migraine attack, since there is no evidence of efficacy if taken during preceding aura.10 Using a triptan at the start of the headache may reduce headache recurrence, prevent disability and possibly reduce central sensitisation. The difficulty arises in chronic migraineurs, since taking the triptan early can lead to a pattern of increasing use and medication-overuse headache. We try to help these people to identify early features that might indicate an ensuing severe migraine attack, as the triptan should be reserved for these headaches. It is important to explain that the triptan should be used, on average, on no more than 2 days per week (10 days per month) to reduce the risk of a triptan-overuse headache. Our own practice is to try any particular triptan on at least three occasions before assessing its efficacy. Poor efficacy or tolerability with a single triptan does not reliably predict response to another, so it is definitely worthwhile working through different agents. However, choosing the right triptan for a given situation can be difficult, especially when considering second-line or third-line choices. Figure 1 and the following section may assist this decision. Figure 1 Triptan selection in acute migraine. An approach to triptan selection based on the characteristic of acute attacks. BD, twice daily; NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; TDS, three times a day. Which triptan and how do they work? The seven triptans—almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan—are 5HT 1B/1D receptor agonists with vasoconstrictive effects on blood vessels. The choice of triptan depends on efficacy, side effects, the duration of the headache, coexisting vomiting and cost (table 2). Table 2 The triptans Efficacy of triptans Efficacy data at 2 h favour eletriptan, then rizatriptan, followed by zolmitriptan over sumatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, and frovatriptan. At 24 h, eletriptan performed best, followed by zolmitriptan and then almotriptan, rizatriptan and sumatriptan (100 mg).11 However, the most effective use of a triptan depends partly upon its route of administration. Thus, the most effective sumatriptan preparation for acute relief at 2 h (based on numbers needed to treat) was subcutaneous 6 mg, then intranasal 20 mg and then oral 100 mg formulations.12 While subcutaneous sumatriptan is most effective, it has more adverse events and costs more than triptans by other routes. The route of administration of the triptan is therefore best tailored to the individual's migraine attack. For example, if the migraine has a rapid onset, patients may try a fast-acting oral triptan such as rizatriptan, zolmitriptan or eletriptan, or nasal preparations that are faster still (zolmitriptan and sumatriptan); alternatively, the subcutaneous sumatriptan, which has the fastest onset of action. Other migraine features necessitate specific strategies (as outlined in figure 1). Safety and side effects We find the triptans to be well tolerated overall. The reported incidence of minor adverse effects does not differ markedly between the triptans, but depends on speed of onset of action; people taking subcutaneous sumatriptan report more adverse effects than those taking oral sumatriptan. The triptans with a longer half-life and slower onset of action, such as naratriptan and frovatriptan, have fewer side effects. The adverse effects of the oral triptans are similar, although dizziness and sedation occur more with rizatriptan and zolmitriptan than with sumatriptan and naratriptan.13 There are cardiovascular safety concerns associated with triptan use due to the presence of 5HT 1B receptors on vascular smooth muscle. We avoid triptans in people with uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease. However, in clinical trials, cardiovascular complications were fewer than one per million exposed, and a recent systematic review of cardiovascular safety data identified no strong cardiovascular safety issues.14 Triptan sensations such as burning or tingling in the chest or limbs are relatively common (7%), but clinicians can reassure patients that this is not associated with cardiac ischaemia.15 In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the potential for developing a serotonin syndrome when taking triptans together with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).16 However, on further evaluation only 10 of the original 36 cases identified were actually serotonin syndrome and it was concluded that triptan use did not need to be restricted in patients on SSRIs or SNRIs.17 We use triptans in these patients where indicated but counsel patients to be aware of the features of serotonin syndrome (agitation, nausea, palpitation and sweating). Triptans should not be co-prescribed with ergotamine (within 24 h) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (within 2 weeks). Triptans in pregnancy and breast feeding? The major concern for migraine medications during pregnancy is of potential teratogenicity; our practice during pregnancy is to continue triptans only if benefit outweighs risk. The sumatriptan pregnancy register (626 pregnancies exposed to sumatriptan) has highlighted that the risk of first trimester birth defects was 4.2%, versus 3–5% in the general population.18 There are fewer data for other triptans. The current NICE CG150 headache guideline states that triptans can and should be considered for pregnant patients experiencing disabling headache attacks when other therapies have proven unhelpful and when patients have been counselled about their use in pregnancy. Triptans are generally considered compatible with breast feeding as less than 10% of the drug dose appears in breast milk; however, there are no large studies in this area. Should we use triptans in patients with migraine aura? Auras were previously thought to represent a vasoconstrictive episode and consequently there was concern about using triptans, which cause vasoconstriction, as this might in theory predispose to stroke. However, current understanding is that cortical spreading depression underlies aura, calling into question this theoretical contraindication.19 Studies of triptan use in familial hemiplegic aura report an excellent response to triptans and only minor side effects.20 Opinions vary among headache physicians, depending on the type of aura. Triptans are generally prescribed for migraine associated with non-motor aura. However, for hemiplegic migraine and also basilar migraine, there is less consensus, but the potential benefit of triptans may well outweigh their theoretical risks.

Migraine prevention Migraine preventative treatments aim to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and may help reduce the frequency of analgesic use. It is usually unrealistic for patients to expect complete headache cessation and it can be useful to have a discussion with patients about realistic goals of treatment. Prophylactic treatment is typically considered if there are more than four migraine days per month. However, preventative therapy may also be given for less frequent but very disabling attacks. Most medications used as preventatives were originally used for a different indication, and the evidence for individual agents varies. The agents used can be classified into antiepileptic drugs, beta blockers, antidepressants, serotonergic antagonists (methysergide is no longer manufactured), calcium channel antagonists, angiotensin modulators (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor inhibitors), nutrients and herbal products (Feverfew). The current NICE guideline suggests first trying either topiramate or a beta blocker. If both are ineffective or contraindicated, then consider acupuncture, gabapentin, botulinum toxin or riboflavin.8 Since the publication of this guideline, there is new evidence that gabapentin is not effective, so we no longer use this.21 ,22 The NICE guideline also concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support using amitriptyline and pizotifen, due to lack of robust clinical trials in this area.8 In reality, the choice of preventative depends in part on NICE guidelines, but is also influenced by patient comorbidities; thus, we also consider other agents as outlined in table 3. Table 3 Migraine preventatives: an overview It is important to note that topiramate, flunarizine and beta blockers can exacerbate depression. Weight gain can be a concern with beta blockers, pizotifen, flunarizine, valproate and antidepressants. Beta blockers cannot be used in people with asthma (candesartan is a useful alternative with equivalent efficacy to propranolol). The tricyclic antidepressants, particularly amitriptyline, can be sedating though this can make it the drug of choice in people with sleeping difficulty. Topiramate can reduce the efficacy of the contraceptive pill. Also, many agents are potentially teratogenic and this should be mentioned to women of childbearing age. The general rules of thumb are to start treatment at a low dose, gradually increasing to an initial target dose. If there is no effect and no significant side effects, the dose can be further increased for some drugs. We continue the medication for at least 3 months to evaluate efficacy. If effective (about a 50% improvement) the drug may be continued for 6 months, although there is some evidence of fewer rebound headaches if continued for 12 months.23 There is very limited evidence to support the use of SNRIs in migraine.

Botulinum toxin for migraine If three or more migraine preventatives have been trialled at effective dosages, the NICE guideline recommends doctors to consider botulinum toxin type A in chronic migraineurs (more than 15 headache days per month of which at last 8 are migrainous, for more than 3 months), provided there has been adequate management of medication overuse. Botulinum toxin therapy should be stopped if it fails to provide the required response (a less than 30% reduction in headache days per month after two cycles), or if the headache has returned to an episodic phenotype.10 Earlier this year, longitudinal data from one of the largest botulinum toxin-treated migraine cohorts (refractory to preventative medications) demonstrated significantly more pain-free days and improved quality of life.24

Pregnancy and migraine Around 70% of migraineurs improve during pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters). If migraines are troublesome during the pregnancy, the choice of abortives should be discussed (see The triptans section). NSAIDs can be used in early pregnancy, but are absolutely contraindicated in the third trimester. Aspirin is a particular concern due to the possibility of developing Reye's syndrome in the neonate. Of the abortives, paracetamol is probably the safest. During pregnancy, we tend to review patients with severe migraine more frequently to monitor progress and to discuss treatment options. There are understandably few data on which agents are safe in pregnancy and most drugs are unlicensed for use in pregnancy. Preventatives should be prescribed only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Low-dose (10–50 mg) amitriptyline is sometimes prescribed; however, there are reports of limb deformities following prenatal exposure to higher doses. Beta blockers may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (25% risk with atenolol). Sodium valproate should be avoided. There is an excellent review of this topic available.25 Greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks may provide short to medium term analgesia. External neuromodulation using a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation device was recently shown to be both safe and effective.26

Menstrual migraine Menstrual migraines have been attributed to falling oestrogen levels premenstrually and perimenstrually. ‘Perimenstrual mini’ prophylaxis (starting 2 days before the period and continuing during the period) can help, for example, frovatriptan 2.5 mg twice daily, zolmitriptan 2.5 mg three times a day, naproxen 500 mg twice daily or mefenamic acid 500 mg three times a day. Contraceptive-induced amenorrhoea can also be very effective, for example, with tricycling or continuous combined contraceptive pill.27 Oestrogen gels or patches can ameliorate the effect of falling serum hormone concentrations before and during the period (eg, 1.5 mg transcutaneous oestrogen days −2 to +5).

GON block for migraine Neurologists working in the headache field, especially in the USA and latterly the UK, have used GON local anaesthetic blocks; these can provide analgesia for up to 2 months in chronic migraine sufferers. A recent double-blind randomised controlled trial of low-dose local anaesthetic block versus high-dose local anaesthetic block, however, challenged this notion of its sustained efficacy.28 A GON local anaesthetic block can provide a short-term rescue intervention for a patient in crisis. We sometimes use GON blocks to provide analgesia when starting prophylactic treatment in disabling refractory status migrainosus, to facilitate withdrawal of acute analgesics in those with medication-overuse headache and for patients with troublesome migraine in pregnancy. The exact composition of the nerve block can vary between centres. We tend to use 80 mg depomedrone (40 mg/mL) and 2 mL of 2% lignocaine, that is, total 4 mL per injection into each GON (figure 2). Some centres substitute the lignocaine for 1 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. The efficacy and use of GON blockade in primary headache other than migraine, for example, cluster headache, is already better established. Figure 2 Injection sites for greater occipital nerve (GON) block. The injection sites (A and B; one to each GON) are identified as being at the proximal third of the distance between a hypothetical line from the occipital protruberance to the mastoid process. GON block side effects include a local alopecia, transient dizziness and worsening of the headache. The block can be repeated about every 3 months.

Migraine and the combined contraceptive pill? Women with migraine and active aura have a twofold increased risk of ischaemic stroke.29 In women aged less than 45 years, smoking and the combined contraceptive pill further increase the stroke risk.30 NICE recommends avoiding combined hormonal contraceptives in women who have migraine with aura due to the increased risk of stroke. In these patients, we recommend the progesterone-only pill, contraceptive implant, depot or levonorgesterol intrauterine device.