Classification according to IHS and WHO

Logo of the International Headache Society. © 2007 IHS

The full classification is available in PDF (775kb) format. Note however, that the PDF can be viewed and saved but not printed. There is also a short form version in PDF (170kb) format which can be printed.

"The Second Edition of the International Headache Classification is perhaps the single most important document to read for doctors taking an interest in the diagnosis and management of headache patients. ...

All headache disorders are classified into major groups and each group is then subdivided one, two or three times.

For example, 1. Migraine is a group consisting of one headache type (migraine) and subtypes of migraine such as 1.2 Migraine with aura constitute the next level (second digit). Migraine with aura is again divided into subforms for example 1.2.1 Typical aura with migraine headache. The practicing family physician may only need to diagnose at the first level - migraine - in order to select acute treatment. However, when there is a diagnostic problem of differential diagnosis, for example because headache is absent, it becomes necessary to distinguish between migraine with aura and other disorders that may mimic it, and thus to code at the second or third level. Practicing neurologists and headache specialists would normally diagnose the precise subform of migraine with aura at the third level. This system has proven utility at the different levels of health care systems throughout the world." (IHS, 2003)

Quote from the introduction to the Second
Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders
(ICHD-II). © 2003 The International Headache Society

References

International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. Cephalalgia 2004; 24 (suppl. 1): 1-160.
Olesen J, Steiner TJ. The International classification of headache disorders, 2nd edn (ICDH-II). J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2004; 75: 808-811.

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