What's New in Headache & Facial Pain Management? Updates for the Orofacial Pain Clinician

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate primary headache disorders from orofacial pain conditions and recognize red flags for secondary causes.
• Select appropriate acute treatments, including triptans, based on headache type and patient-specific factors.
• Implement preventative therapies, including CGRP-targeted treatments and TCAs, using current evidence.
• Apply safe prescribing principles and strategies to avoid medication overuse headache.
• Integrate pharmacologic and interdisciplinary approaches to optimize patient care.

Session Description:

This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to the treatment of primary headache disorders, with a focus on migraine and cluster headache management. It reviews the goals of acute (abortive) migraine therapy, emphasizing rapid pain relief, restoration of function, and minimization of recurrence. Common first-line treatments, including NSAIDs and triptans, are discussed alongside their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and important contraindications—particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The program also outlines indications for initiating preventive therapy, highlighting its role in patients with frequent or disabling migraines. Traditional preventive options such as beta blockers, antidepressants, and antiepileptic drugs are reviewed, as well as newer therapies including CGRP monoclonal antibodies and small molecule CGRP antagonists.

In addition, the webinar explores non-pharmacologic and device-based treatments, such as neuromodulation technologies, which offer both acute and preventive benefits for select patients. Special considerations for treating migraines in unique populations—including pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, pediatric patients, and those with renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular comorbidities—are addressed.

Overall, the session equips clinicians with evidence-based strategies to optimize individualized headache management and improve patient outcomes.

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The American Academy of Orofacial Pain is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

AAOP has designated this activity for 1 continuing education credit.