Workshops
Another part of the congress was devoted to workshops. Dr. Ansari moderated two workshops, the first of which was intended for younger neurologists and provided training on techniques of onabotulinumtoxinA injection for chronic migraine. The second workshop focused on peripheral nerve block techniques for headache, including sphenopalatine ganglion blocks. All participants had the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in injection techniques and were given time to ask questions.
Panel Discussions
The congress also included two panel discussions. The first discussion examined various aspects of headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypotension (ie, low CSF pressure headache). The panel spoke about challenging aspects of the diagnosis and management of these two secondary headache disorders. Drs. Rapoport, Cowan, and Bolay oversaw the panel and answered attendees’ questions.
The second panel, presented by Dr. Ansari and colleagues, reviewed several unapproved but potentially effective treatment modalities for headache, including migraine surgery (ie, trigger-point deactivation), nutritional treatments, exercise, and the techniques of Iranian traditional medicine.
Residents Scientific Competition
Neurology residents from 13 Iranian universities participated in a competition. First-, second-, and third-place winners were awarded valuable prizes.
In addition, 21 exhibitors presented their products and books in the exhibit hall.
The Future of Iranian Headache Medicine
The Fourth Iranian International Headache Congress was intended to advance the status of headache medicine in Iran. Positive feedback from attendees suggested that the congress had achieved its primary goal, which was to present high-quality programs and inspire neurologists and headache doctors to continue their already advanced headache work and care.
The attendance of distinguished international headache specialists, the cooperation of the International Headache Association, the participation of esteemed Iranian neurologists as lecturers, and the attendance of participants from various parts of Iran have all contributed to the establishment of a positive working relationship between the Iranian Headache Association and IHS.
The next step in the advancement of headache medicine in Iran could be a regional headache congress with the participation of the country’s neighbors. The conference’s organizers hope to replicate their successful planning, organization, and execution by hosting such a regional event in the future.
—Hossein Ansari, MD, and Mansoureh Togha, MD