Thread by @beth_morton

For this week’s #MigraineChatAMA on Headache Specialists (HAS):

HAS are healthcare providers who completed a year fellowship in headache medicine and become board-certified through an accreditation organization (@UCNSorg). (ucns.org/Online/Online/…). /1

Others might call themselves HAS if they complete add’l qualifications like the @NHF Added Qualification in Headache (headaches.org/aqh/). Other healthcare professionals might regularly attend edu/prof meetings on headache treatment to improve knowledge.
#MigraineChatAMA /2

DYK - HAS are not all neurologists *and* not all neurologists are HAS? A neurologist’s training in headaches or migraine is pretty minimal. Neurology encompasses a broad range of neuro conditions; they may specialize in ones other than headache/migraine. #MigraineChatAMA /3

Among undergrad med school students, the commonly cited stat is that they receive 4 hours of headache training, on average.

Some research on headache training:
1: …adachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.111…
2: …adachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.111…

#MigraineChatAMA /4

When should you see a HAS? Most people with infrequent migraine attacks can get away with seeing their PCP/GP to start.

However, it’s worth seeing a HAS if:
-prescribed or OTC treatments aren’t working or you’re using acute treatments >10x/month
- cont ⬇️

#MigraineChatAMA /5

Also worth seeing a HAS if:
- symptoms are worsening despite treatment
- you have new/unusual treatments
- your first headache (migraine) occurred after age 50, an illness or injury
- attacks are disrupting/disabling to your daily life
everydayhealth.com/pain-managemen…

#MigraineChatAMA /6

What issues might you run into seeing a HAS? First, there aren’t enough of them: ~700 in the US for the 40 million (ish) people with migraine. Worldwide, access is even worse. This means difficulty finding one, long wait times, and traveling long distances.
#MigraineChatAMA /6

Some sites for finding a HAS:
1: headaches.org/resources/heal…
2: americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/
3: headachedoctors.net

There are online HAS clinics in some countries (eg @neurahealthco). They can help diagnose & offer treatments that don’t require in-person visits. #MigraineChatAMA /7

Did this #MigraineChatAMA thread spark any additional questions on finding/seeing a HAS? Let me know or share your thoughts.

(My numbering is off after moving stuff around due to tweet length limits. Sorry about that!)

Also, errors are mine!

But thanks to @CSWhiteMD for letting me check a few things with her. 💜

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