CHESS reference group discussion
chronic headache, disability
CHRONIC HEADACHE, CHRONIC HEADACHES
Ten lay members attended the group discussion. Whilst they were disappointed generally with the results, they were also not that surprised. Noting that whilst this study tried a novel approach to the treatment of chronic headache, they felt that the results implied it was clearly not enough. They felt that chronic headache is under researched, a ‘hidden’ condition, which is often misunderstood and a major cause of disability and time off work, impacting on all aspects of life. The group noted that chronic headaches should be seen as a long-term condition which needs coordinated long term medical review, support, signposting to appropriate clinicians, information and services which may be of benefit. Future research will be important to explore the most useful avenues. The group felt that the results of this study should be presented in a way that gives clinicians and the public an understanding that chronic headache is a complex condition which should be taken seriously and that there is further work to be done.