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Headache, Module 4, 2025
Most people will have experienced a headache at some stage in their life and up to one adult in 20 experiences frequent headaches (a headache every day or nearly every day). Although headaches are rarely caused by a serious condition, they can significantly interfere with the ability to work and perform daily tasks.
When headaches occur repeatedly, they could be a symptom of a headache disorder. The most common headache disorder is tension-type headache. Migraine is another common headache disorder, affecting at least one in seven adults.
Headache disorders can cause substantial personal suffering, affecting family life, social life and employment. Despite this, many people perceive headaches as a trivial complaint and the physical, emotional, social and economic burdens of headaches are poorly acknowledged. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache has been underestimated, under-recognised and under-treated throughout the world.
The community pharmacist is in the ideal position to play a role in the management of headache and to refer patients appropriately for further medical attention, if needed. This module discusses headache and the most common types of headache disorders that the community pharmacist is likely to encounter.
For more information about this programme, contact Glynis or Gill at Insight Medicine Information at 011 706 6939 or email: cpdalphapharm@insightmed.co.za
