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2026, Number 2

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Rev Fac Med UNAM 2026; 69 (2)

Diagnosis and treatment of headaches for the non-neurologist physician

Domínguez-Moreno R, Galnares-Olalde JA, Leyva-Rendón A

Language: Spanish
References: 45
Page: 54-63
PDF size: 223.21 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms, with a lifetime prevalence of 96%. Although it is often benign and self-limited, it can represent a medical emergency when it is the manifestation of an underlying secondary pathology. Headaches are classified as primary—without an identifiable structural cause (such as migraine or tension-type headache)— or secondary, associated with potentially serious underlying conditions (such as neuroinfections or subarachnoid hemorrhage).
This article provides a concise and updated review of the most relevant headaches encountered in emergency and outpatient settings, with emphasis on diagnostic criteria, initial clinical approach, and therapeutic options based on recent evidence. Invasive treatments and non-pharmacological strategies are not discussed due to space limitations. The aim is to offer practical tools for non-neurologist physicians who frequently manage this symptom in diverse clinical scenarios.


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