Headache Management as an Anesthesiologist

Abstract

　Based on the author’s clinical experience, this report describes a multifaceted approach to the management of refractory headache in a pain clinic setting. In patients with headaches refractory to pharmacotherapy or medication-overuse headache (MOH) , minimally invasive nerve blocks may provide a useful option for interrupting the pain cycle and achieving rapid symptom relief. In addition, because psychosocial factors such as anticipatory anxiety and environmental stress often contribute to the exacerbation of chronic headaches, we actively incorporate psychological support in collaboration with clinical psychologists. An integrated care system that provides both physical interventions, such as nerve blocks, and psychological interventions tailored to individual patient needs may help improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with refractory headache and serve as a valuable complement to comprehensive headache care.