New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH)

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is unique in that headache is daily from onset, and soon becomes unremitting, typically occurring in individuals without a prior headache history, although patients with previous headache diagnosis also can develop NDPH. Headache lacks characteristic features, and may be migraine-like or tension-type-like, or have elements of both.

Patients very often recall and can accurately describe the onset of the headaches what is an important diagnostic feature.

The cause of NDPH is still unknown. There have been several studies suggesting a link between a preceding flu-like or upper respiratory infection, a stressful life event, or extracranial surgery.

Increased intracranial pressure and insidious infectious processes have to be ruled out to establish an NDPH diagnosis.

Treatment of NDPH is difficult and symptoms (unremitting headaches) can last years and subside one day without explanation.