How do patients referred to neurologists for headache differ from those managed in primary care?
GROUND: Headache is the neurological symptom most frequently presented to GPs and referred to neurologists, but little is known about how referred patients differ from patients managed by GPs. AIM: To describe and compare headache patients managed in primary care with those referred to neurologists. DESIGN OF STUDY: Prospective study. SETTING: Eighteen general practices in south-east England. METHOD: This study examined 488 eligible patients consulting GPs with primary headache over 7 weeks and 81 patients referred to neurologists over 1 year. Headache disability was measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment Score, headache impact by the Headache Impact Test, emotional distress by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and illness perception was assessed using the Illness Perception Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants were 303 patients who agreed to participate. Both groups reported severe disability and very severe impact on functioning. Referred patients consulted more frequ
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