Expert panel’s guideline on cervicogenic headache: The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain recommendation
Hong Xiao, Bao-Gan Peng, Ke Ma, Dong Huang, Xian‐Guo Liu, Yan Lv, Qing Liu, Lijuan Lu, Jinfeng Liu, Yimei Li, Tao Song, Wei Tao, Wen Shen, Xiao-Qiu Yang, Lin Wang, Xiaomei Zhang, Zhigang Zhuang, Hui Liu, Yanqing Liu
Abstract
Cervicogenic headache (CEH) has been recognized as a unique category of headache that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In China, CEH patients are managed by many different specialties, and the treatment plans remain controversial. Therefore, there is a great need for comprehensive evidence-based Chinese experts' recommendations for the management of CEH. The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain asked an expert panel to develop recommendations for a series of questions that are essential for daily clinical management of patients with CEH. A group of multidisciplinary Chinese Association for the Study of Pain experts identified the clinically relevant topics in CEH. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and evidence supporting the benefits and harms for the management of CEH was summarized. Twenty-four recommendations were finally developed through expert consensus voting for evidence quality and recommendation strength. We hope this guideline provides direction for clinicians and patients making treatment decisions for the management of CEH.