Chronic Daily Headache

Chronic Daily Headache, while not yet a recognized diagnosis by the International Classification for Headache Disorders, is a term commonly given to patients that suffer from headaches for more than half of the month and a condition that is very frequently seen in Headache Practices throughout the country.

There are a variety of different headache types that can occur on a daily basis, some of which are long in duration (greater than 4 hrs) and others that are short. They are differentiated not only by the duration of the headache but also the accompanying features. There are known risk factors for the chronification of headaches, both modifiable and non-modifiable. Chronic Daily Headache is different from less frequent, or episodic headache types, not only when looking at sheer headache days but also when considering treatment options and principles as well as the impact of the patients quality of life.