Why is it important to diagnose a headache?
The correct diagnosis is needed to begin an effective treatment plan. Early
visits to your doctor are made to establish what type or classification of
headache you have.
Headache history
The most important part of the headache evaluation is the headache history.
It is important to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as
completely as possible. Your headaches can be better diagnosed if you can tell
your doctor:
- How old you were when the headaches started
- How long you have been experiencing them
- If you experience a single type of headache or multiple types of headaches
- How often do the headaches occur
- What causes the headaches, if known (For example, do certain situations,
foods, or medicines usually trigger the headaches?)
- Who else in your family has headaches
- What symptoms, if any, occur between headaches
- If your school or work performance has been affected by the headaches
- If physical activity aggravates the pain
- What events are associated with the headache
It also helps if you tell your doctor how you feel with the headache and what
happens when you get a headache, such as:
- Where the pain is located
- What it feels like
- How severe the headache pain is, using a scale from 1 (mild) to 10 (severe)
- How long the headaches last
- If the headaches appear suddenly without warning or with accompanying
symptoms
- What time of day the headaches usually occur
- If there is an aura (changes in vision, blind spots, or bright lights)
before the headache
- What other symptoms or warning signs occur with a headache (such as
weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, appetite changes, changes in
attitude or behavior)
- How frequently you get headaches
History of headache treatments
A history of prior headache treatments is also an important part of the
headache evaluation. Provide your doctor with a history of prior treatments — both prescribed and over-the-counter
— for your headaches. Tell your doctor
what medicines you have taken in the past and what medicines are currently
taking. Don't hesitate to list them, bring the bottles, or ask your
pharmacist for a printout.
Studies performed by other doctors, including X-rays and scans, are very
important. Bring these to your appointment as well, since it might save
time and the need to repeat the tests.
Physical and neurological examinations
After completing the headache history portion of the evaluation, the doctor
will perform a complete physical and neurological examination. The doctor will
look for signs and symptoms of an illness that might be causing the headaches,
such as: