25th Headache Cooperative of the Northeast Boston Annual Meeting

Boston, MA US
November 8, 2025

Headache and facial pain are highly prevalent, disabling, complex medical conditions that are frequently chronic and are often under-diagnosed and inadequately treated.  They continue to place a considerable burden on the medical system in both time and financial resources.  While the underlying pathophysiology and basic science mechanisms of migraine and other chronic pain disorders have made many advances, there is still much to be learned and understood about these very troublesome public health problems. 

The evaluation, diagnosis and management of these pain disorders are a very important continuing education mission and one of the primary objectives of the Headache Cooperative of the Northeast (HCNE). 

Target Audience

This program is design to educate practitioners who have an interest in the diagnosis and management of headache disorders.  This includes neurologists, primary care providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, dentists, psychologists, and other health care providers with an interest in Headache Medicine.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the approach to evaluation and management of the headache patient
  2. Analyze recent guideline updates for treating headache disorders and recommend practice implementation
  3. Evaluate the benefits and challenges of integrating PA/NPs into Headache Medicine practice
  4. Identify presentation and workup of CSF leaks causing headache
  5. Describe common headache presentations and their management 
  6. Identify vestibular symptoms of migraine and strategies to address them
  7. Describe common presentations of orofacial pain seen by dental pain specialists
  8. Describe how gender bias in the 19th century has influenced 20th century treatment of headache diseases
  9. Assess and adapt communication strategies to manage the presentation and approach of a ‘difficult patient’

Additional Information

AttachmentSize
PDF icon Boston 2025 Draft Agenda 10.10.25.pdf343.17 KB
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 9.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this Live activity for a maximum of 9.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 9.00 ANCC
    • 4.00 ANCC Pharmacology
  • 9.00 Participation
Course opens: 
06/30/2025
Course expires: 
01/30/2026
Event starts: 
11/08/2025 - 8:00am EST
Event ends: 
11/08/2025 - 5:00pm EST
Cost:
$200.00
Add to calendar: 
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7:50am - 8:00amWelcome and Introduction
Part 1ModeratorDr. Herb Markley
8:00am - 8:45amSession 1Approach to the Headache Patient
Dr. Thomas Ward, Discussant Dr. Robert Shapiro
8:45am - 9:30amSession 2What is New on Guidelines for Headache
Dr. Melissa Rayhill, Discussant. Dr. James Otis
9:30am - 9:45amQ&A 
9:45am - 10:00amBreak  
Part 2ModeratorDr. Paul Rizzoli
10:00am - 10:45amSession 3Integrating PA/NPs into a Headache Medicine Practice
Mary O’Dwyer PA, Discussant Jennifer Cheng, NP
10:45am - 11:30amSession 4A Series of CSF Leaks
Dr Shuhan Zhu, Discussant Dr. Chris Gottschalk
11:30am - 11:45pmQ&A 
11:45pm - 12:00pmLunch Pick-Up Break
12:00pm - 1:15pmSession 5Case Discussions - introduced by Dr. Brian McGeeney - discussed by Dr. Andrea Harriott, Dr. Amanda
Macone, Dr. Patricia Olson and Dr. Minali Nigam
1:15pm - 1:30pmQ&A 
Part 3ModeratorDr. Kate Mullin
1:30pm - 2:30pmSession 6Vestibular Symptoms and Migraine
Dr. Richard Lewis,  Discussant Dr. Brian McGeeney
2:30pm - 3:15pmSession 7Orofacial Pain
Dr. Jeff Shaefer Discussant Dr. Thomas Cheng
                 3:15pm - 3:30pmQ&A 
3:30pm - 3:45pmBreak 
Part 4ModeratorDr. Randy Weeks
3:45pm - 4:30pmSession 8Medication Overuse Headache Resulting from Medication Overuse
Dr. Alan Rapoport, Discussant Dr. Shivang Joshi
4:30pm - 5:15pmSession 9New England Women in 19th Century Medicine, Barriers to Evidence-Based Training and Their Consignment to "Non-Traditional" Practice
Dr. Ron Kulich, Discussant Dr. Steve Baskin
5:15pm-5:30pmQ&A 
   
Agenda is subject to change without notice 
Hotel Colonnade
120 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
United States

A block of rooms has been reserved at the special rate of $329/night, single or double, plus applicable taxes. The room block will be held until October 18, 2025 or until it is full.  Space is limited and is subject to availability.  You may make reservations online or by calling (617) 424-7000.  Mention you are with the HCNE Annual Boston Headache conference to receive the special conference rate.   Rooms can be cancelled until 48 Hours before check-in with no penalty.  

Please use the link below to reserve your room:

The Colonnade Hotel

 

Travel

Tourist Information
Boston's history recalls revolution and transformation, and today the city is still among the country’s most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking cities.  It is rich with history, culture and art.  Visit https://www.boston.gov/visiting-boston for more information.

Climate in November
Temperatures range from 32° to 58°F.

Since everyone has a different level of comfort, we suggest you dress in layers.

BU CCE Program Manager: Naomi Moeller

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the Headache Cooperative of the Northeast (HCNE). 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 9.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses
Contact Hours: 9.0, of which 4.0 are eligible for pharmacology credit

Available Credit

  • 9.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this Live activity for a maximum of 9.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 9.00 ANCC
    • 4.00 ANCC Pharmacology
  • 9.00 Participation

Price

Cost:
$200.00
Please login or register to take this course.

Registration Fees:

Non members - $200

HCNE members - $150

Fellow/Trainees - $0

HCNE Board Members/Faculty - $150

HCNE new member (registration fee + membership fee) - $200

BU CCE complies with the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof to make reasonable accommodations for our educational activities. If any participant in this educational activity is in need of accommodations, please contact BU CCE at [email protected].

The CCE office will work to accommodate dietary requests (including, but not limited to: vegetarian, kosher, low cholesterol, and low-sodium meals) received, in writing, at least two weeks prior to the start of the conference.

Cancellation Policy:

Substitutions may be made at any time without an additional charge.  Refunds, less an administrative fee of $50, will be issued for all cancellations received two weeks prior to the start of the conference.  Should cancellation occur within the two-week window, a credit will be issued, not a refund.  Credits will be honored for up to two years.  “No shows” are subject to the full course fee.  Cancellations/substitution(s) must be made in writing.  Refunds or credits will not be issued once the conference has started.  This course is subject to change or cancellation.

If you need to cancel your registration, please click here. 

We will follow state and federal COVID-19 guidelines.