A universal classification for headaches
There are over 200 headache diagnoses.
At Limiceph, we use the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) to determine the correct headache diagnosis.
ICHD-3 is a system for categorizing and describing different types of headache.
Developed by the International Headache Society (IHS), it is the most comprehensive and detailed classification of headaches available.
Benefits for patients:
Better understanding:
ICHD-3 gives patients a better understanding of the type of headache they have, which can be helpful in finding the right treatment.
More effective communication:
It provides a common language for patients and healthcare professionals, which can improve communication and thus lead to more effective treatment.
Access to information:
ICHD-3 gives patients access to information about the different types of headaches, including symptoms, causes, treatment options and prognosis.
Benefits for healthcare professionals:
Accurate diagnosis:
ICHD-3 provides healthcare professionals with the tools they need to make an accurate diagnosis of headache.
Standardized treatment:
It provides a standardized way of describing headaches, which can help ensure that patients receive the right treatment.
Research:
ICHD-3 is an important tool for researchers studying headache.
It makes it possible to compare data from different studies and thus identify new trends and guidelines for treatment.
Different categories:
ICHD-3 breaks down headache types into categories, then subcategories for each headache diagnosis.
Here is an abbreviated overview:
Primary headache:
Migraines:
This includes migraine without aura, migraine with aura, chronic migraine, complicated migraine and probable migraine.
Tension headache:
This includes episodic tension headaches and chronic tension headaches.
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs):
This includes cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, brief unilateral headache attacks with congestive symptoms, hemicrania continua and probable TAC.
Other primary headaches:
This includes primary stabbing headache, primary cold-stimulated headache, primary thunderclap headache, hypnic headache, primary headache associated with sexual activity, nummular headache, hemicrania continua and new daily persistent headache.
Post-traumatic headaches, and headaches following trauma or injury to the head and/or neck.
Headaches associated with vascular disorders of the head and/or neck.
Headaches that result from non-vascular disorders of the skull, neck (such as cervicogenic headaches), eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, jaw, teeth, mouth or other facial or cranial structures.
Headaches caused by medication or discontinuation, such as medication overuse headache (MOH)
Headaches that are a result of infection, such as Long-Covid headaches.
Headaches caused by disturbances in homeostasis.
Headache or facial pain resulting from disorders of the skull, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth or other facial or cranial structures.
Headaches that are a result of psychiatric disorder.
Facial pain
and other headaches:
- Headache linked to psychiatric disorder.
- Epicranial headaches or facial pain.
- Key causes of facial pain.
- Primary central neuropathic pain.
- Other headaches, facial pain or cranial neuralgia.
How is ICHD-3 used?
The right treatment requires the right diagnosis.
ICHD-3 is used by healthcare professionals all over the world to diagnose and classify headaches, and ultimately provide more effective treatment.
It is also used by researchers and for educational purposes.
Read more about how to find the right headache diagnosis here.
limiceph
Don't hesitate to get in touch.
If you're unsure about what type of appointment you need for the first time, send us an email at post@limiceph.no with your phone number, and we will call you back at the earliest opportunity.
