In conclusion, we identified a number of studies providing evidence of the value of specific types, strategies and measures of headache treatment, but much further work is needed to incorporate these findings into the development of valid and practical quality indicators. There is no agreed definition of ‘‘quality’’ of headache care, and no considered view on how the non-aligned perspectives of different stakeholders in headache care should be placed in order of priority. Consensus on these issues is urgently required if health care for headache—clearly suboptimal throughout the world—is to be improved. This is a priority for patients and for public health.