Clusterbusters 19th Annual U.S. Conference - September 13 - 14, 2024

While cluster headache is a fairly rare condition in the headache space, due to its prevalence it does not meet the federal definition of a rare disease. With migraine being one of the most common diseases, cluster headache is often overlooked and overshadowed. Most healthcare providers do not ever get any training on the disease. The disease places a burden on medical system and society through lost time and resources1. 

The mechanisms of cluster headache are not well understood, but advances have been made in recent years. However, those advances have not been disseminated widely as evidenced by the delay to diagnosis and appropriate treatment2. There are still many things about cluster headache to be discovered, and advances in this area could help those with other primary headache diseases. 

Clusterbusters supports research for better treatments and a cure while advocating to improve the lives of those struggling with cluster headaches. Our goals include finding solutions to the problems that exist as a result of cluster headache, educating about the disease, informing and supporting research involving cluster headache, and encouraging research into finding a cure for the disease.

This program will include an overview of current treatments and ideas regarding cluster headache.  It will feature topics specific to cluster headache and foster a deeper understanding of the patient's lived experience with the disease. The program will also include some of the latest research on cluster headache and discussion about future research goals for the disease. The course is designed to provide a better understanding of the differences between treating cluster headache and other primary headache disorders. It will enable attendees to enhance their clinical and research skills by gaining knowledge of the latest concepts concerning diagnosis, treatment, and mechanisms of cluster headache.

This conference is in its 19th year and has primarily served patients with cluster headache. This year we have chosen to expand to offering continuing education to healthcare professionals that may encounter someone with cluster headache, especially headache specialists, neurologists, dentists, and ENTs.

Target Audience

This program is designed to be useful to practitioners interested in headache diseases, patients, and supporters. We believe that learning together as a community is mutually beneficial for all who live with cluster headache. We hope to attract headache specialists, primary care providers, general neurologists, nurse practitioners, dentists, psychologists, and other health care providers who do not focus exclusively on headache treatment but may encounter people with headache diseases. We have learned that very few providers understand the nuances of treating cluster headache and with some basic education can be equipped to help this population.  Some topics and sessions will offer a deep dive and practical demonstrations of treatments while others will focus more broadly on cluster headache.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner or healthcare team will be able to:                                                                  

  1. Describe how to design office interactions with an understanding of the patient experience of living with cluster headache.
  2. Discuss prescribing models for current cluster headache treatment options.
  3. Discuss the tailoring of treatment options with consideration of patient experiences with past use of treatments for the disease.
  4. Describe the legalities of discussing alternative treatments with patients.
  5. Discuss ways to support patients who use alternative treatments for their cluster headache.
  6. Discuss recent advances policies regarding alternative treatments for cluster headache.
  7. Describe recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of cluster headache
  8. Describe recent research into cluster headache treatments.
  9. Discuss findings and implications of recent real-world data collected on efficacy of medicines and psychedelics for cluster headache.
  10. Discuss the role of sociological perspectives on cluster headache and future research into headache diseases.
  11. Discuss the role of ketamine in the management of cluster headache.
  12. Describe diagnostic criteria for cluster headache and how it differentiates from other headache diseases  
  13. Describe the role of the indole ring as a therapeutic target for headache disorders
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 8.50 Participation
Course opens: 
09/13/2024
Course expires: 
11/13/2024
Rating: 
0

In support of improving patient care, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Physicians

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Available Credit

  • 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 8.50 Participation
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