The current third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) of the International Headache Society was published in its final version in January 2018. Simultaneously with the print version, the digital version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders was also made available worldwide under the leadership of Prof. Hartmut Göbel of the Kiel Pain Clinic. The ICHD-3 follows the publication of the ICDH-3 Beta in 2013. For the first time, a beta version was developed to test the new diagnostic criteria in everyday clinical practice. Numerous studies were conducted, which also contributed to significant changes. The quality of the International Classification of Headache Disorders has thus been decisively improved.

The third edition was published exactly 30 years after the first International Classification of Headaches was released in 1988. This first version was initially based largely on expert opinions. However, it proved to be highly valid and indispensable for practical application. The second edition was published in 2004 and has also been made available digitally. The latest third edition is based exclusively on scientific studies and is exceptionally well-supported by empirical evidence.

A generation has passed since the publication of the first edition. During this time, invaluable progress has been made in headache diagnosis and treatment for humanity. Before the first headache classification was developed in 1998, migraine and headaches were among the worst-classified groups of disorders within neurology. Thanks to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, the best classification of any neurological disorder group is now available. Precise classification and diagnosis are key to successful therapy.

The new digital headache classification is available at www.ichd-3.org