Headaches (OCS Field Guide)
Presented by David Smelser and Austin Kercheville
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This course examines the differences between common types of headaches seen in physical therapy practice. Drawing from the latest edition of the International Headache Society’s The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s headache guidelines, we synthesize common presentations and distinguishing features of cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. While the course aims to assist examinees in preparation for a board-certification exam, all physical therapists who treat headaches will benefit from this discussion.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches given subjective and objective findings
- Choose evidence-based treatments for a patient presenting with cervicogenic headaches
- Choose relevant subjective questions and objective tests to distinguish between cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches
Meet your instructors
David Smelser
Dr. Smelser is a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University where he teaches in the musculoskeletal and clinical reasoning series of courses. He also produces and cohosts the leading OCS-prep podcast, OCS Field Guide. David continues to treat patients with orthopedic and vestibular impairments in a…
Austin Kercheville
Dr. Kercheville received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He practices as a part of an interdisciplinary team focused on helping individuals with chronic pain improve health and maximize function. Dr. Kercheville also mentors aspiring clinical specialists, leads study…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Headaches (OCS Field Guide)
In this episode, David Smelser, PT, DPT, and Austin Kercheville, PT, DPT, explore the intricacies of diagnosing and managing various headache types frequently seen in physical therapy. Drawing from leading guidelines, including the International Headache Society’s classification and NICE recommendations, they delve into the clinical presentations of cervicogenic, tension-type, migraine, and cluster headaches. Through a discussion of diagnostic tests and evidence-based treatment strategies, clinicians will be equipped to enhance care for patients with these conditions.
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