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Headache, Front Shop Module 4, 2025
Headache is one of the most common medical complaints. Nearly everyone will have a headache from time to time. Although most headaches are not caused by life-threatening illnesses, headaches are painful and cause personal suffering. When headaches occur often, they can affect family life, social life and employment.Despite this, many people – including many health professionals – tend to think of a headache as a minor complaint. Yet, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache has been under-estimated, under-recognised, and under-treated all over the world.
The front shop staff are in an ideal position to talk about headache and its treatment when customers present in the pharmacy looking for a medication to relieve their headache quickly. Headache, particularly migraine, can also affect children and adolescents, but symptoms can be different, and it is best to refer children presenting in the pharmacy with a headache to a doctor.
This module talks about the most common headaches in adults that can be treated with medicines available over-the-counter in the pharmacy. The module also outlines the questions that you, as the front shop member of staff, need to ask so that patients with headaches that could be more serious can be referred to the pharmacist and/or doctor.
If you would like to participate in the PSSA/Alpha Pharm Pharmacy Staff Clinical Education Programme, please contact Gill or Glynis for further information at 011 706 6939 or email cpdalphapharm@insightmed.co.za
