About Chronic Daily Headache
What Is Chronic Daily Headache?
Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a type of headache disorder characterised by the presence of headaches occurring on a daily or near-daily basis. Unlike occasional headaches, CDH is a persistent and long-lasting condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. CDH can manifest in different forms, including chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, hemicrania continua, and medication overuse headache. It is often considered a primary headache disorder, meaning it is not caused by an underlying medical condition. However, often in our experience, there is an upper neck or cervicogenic component driving the pain.
Often the unrelenting nature of this type of headache ‘wears down’ a person’s resolve leading to an inability to cope with normal life activities.
Chronic Daily Headache Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose Chronic Daily Headache?
To diagnose chronic daily headache, healthcare professionals typically rely on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and assessment of headache characteristics. They may ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of headaches, as well as any associated symptoms. A frequency of more than 15 headaches each a month classifies a CDH. On occasions brain and/or neck scans are appropriate to rule in or out a particular diagnosis. Sydney headache and Migraine Centre uses the Watson Headache® Approach to determine the presence of an upper neck issue that may be causing the headache.
Chronic Daily Headache Symptoms

Head pain
Frequent or daily headache, occurring most days, often lasting for even the entire day.
Mild to severe pain, causing significant discomfort and impairment
Neck pain

Nausea

Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound

Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
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