What key symptoms distinguish New Daily Persistent Headache?
New daily persistent headache is unique in that the headache is daily from onset, typically in a patient with no prior history. It can continue for years without any sign of alleviation despite aggressive treatment. The headache will start one day and in many instances continue as daily and unremitting pain. There may be two subtypes of NDPH, a self-limited form which typically goes away within several months without any treatment, and a refractory form, which is resistant to aggressive treatment schemes. A characteristic and unique feature of NDPH is that most patients are able to pinpoint the exact date when their headaches started. Headache onset may occur in relationship to an infection or flu-like illness (e.g., mononucleosis), surgery (e.g., hysterectomy), or a stressful life event. NDPH is 2½ times more likely to occur in women than men. Average pain intensity is moderate in most people, though some individuals experience severe pain all of the time. In order to meet the diagnos
