Main description:

This book synthesizes the current research on headache triggers and details how improving the measurement properties of trigger assessments can benefit clinical and research efforts.

The book begins with a detailed exploration of the history of triggers and their use in attempts to assign causes to headache attacks. Subsequent chapters then expound on the existing schools of thought on headache triggers with discussions of understudied influences on the causal assignment process, such as the role of individual trigger beliefs and perceptions. After laying this groundwork, the practical application of trigger assessment is thoroughly detailed, including assessment design types and methods of analysis. Chapters then outline the applications of trigger assessment in research and clinical practice. To conclude, the book relays descriptions of future directions and evolving theories in the area.

Concise and comprehensive, Assessing Headache Triggers is an invaluable resource for clinicians who treat patients and investigators who aim to improve the lives of individuals with headache through their research.

Contents:

Part 1: Overview and Introduction

1) Introduction to Primary Headaches

2) Introduction to Headache Triggers and Causes

Part 2: Elements of Headache Triggers

3) Existing Schools of Thought on Triggers (may require multiple chapters)

4) Trigger Beliefs and Perceptions (may require multiple chapters)

Part 3: Practical Assessment of Headache Triggers

5) Measurement of Trigger Factors

6) Cross-Sectional Designs

7) Headache Diaries

8) Methods for Utilizing Trigger Assessments

9) Statistical Aspects of Trigger Assessment

Part 4: Applications of Headache Trigger Measurement and Research

10) Purposes of Trigger Assessment

11) Use of Assessment in Clinical Practice and Research

12) Future Directions and Evolving Theories