Analysis of Headache Management in a Busy Emergency Room in the United States

Abstract

Narcotics remain the medications most often chosen for treatment of all acute headaches (including migraine) in the ER. There is very little use of migraine-specific medications in the ER. In addition, neurology consults are underutilized even in an academic setting in the ER. The data suggest a lack of clear standards of care for diagnosis and treatment of headache, especially migraines. Specific guidelines for headache management should be established keeping in mind the unique setting of the ER.