Headache sufferers learn how to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of their headaches. In addition, it is helpful to teach patients about headache's impact on their quality of life. Education from physicians about the treatment of headache is equally important. Effective diagnosis and treatment can reduce the number of office visits. Other ways to minimize expenses include eliminating unnecessary tests, prescribing appropriate medications, and recognizing when to refer to a headache specialist and when care in an inpatient hospital setting is medically indicated.
Funding comes from membership dues, donations, and grants.
One of the NHF's most important initiatives was the development of the Standards of Care for Headache Diagnosis and Treatment. This document establishes a set of standards for the healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive and consistent delivery of medical care for headache sufferers. The standards set forth criteria for diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization when these measures are medically indicated. Another important publication is the Therapeutic Guide for the Treatment of Headache. This guide aids in prescribing approved pharmaceuticals, as well as drugs approved for other uses, that can prove helpful abortively and prophylactically to headache sufferers.