Chronic Daily Headache
What Is It?
Headache occurring 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months. Includes chronic migraine, tension-type headache, and medication overuse headache. Significantly impairs quality of life.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Detailed headache diary, MIDAS disability score. MRI brain to rule out structural causes. Review all medications for overuse.
How Is It Treated?
Stop overused analgesics (medication overuse headache treatment). Preventive medications (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, beta-blockers, valproate). Behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, stress reduction.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
MRI brain, CBC, BMP, TSH. Headache diary review.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. MRI brain: $500-$1,200. Preventive medications: $10-$60/month.