In diagnosing headache types, a complete and accurate history of symptoms and characteristics of the headache is helpful. Patients are often asked to keep a “Headache Diary” to track information for what may be contributing to or “triggering” the headache.


A doctor may ask for information about how the headache feels and characteristics of the headaches, including:


  • Describe the type of pain and where it is located.
  • What is the severity of the pain on a scale of 1 to 10?
  • How long does the pain last?
  • How often do headaches occur?
  • Have you noticed a trigger, such as situations, food, activities or medicines preempting the headache?
  • What symptoms occur along with the headache, such as sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, or weakness?
  • Does anyone else in your family have headaches?
  • When did you first experience this type of headache?
  • Do you experience headaches that feel different, or do you have different types of headaches?


In diagnosing a headache patient, a physical or neurological examination may also be conducted to find signs of an underlying cause, such as:


  • Trouble with balance
  • Vision abnormalities
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue or muscle weakness
  • Injuries or head trauma
  • Infections
  • Malformation
  • Tumor
  • Hemorrhage


There are multiple types of headaches and many possible headache causes. Most headache patients will not require an array of extensive diagnostic testing prior to establishing a treatment plan.


To aid the doctor in the diagnosis of headaches and to rule out or confirm possible causes sometimes diagnostic tests such as an MRI are used.

CONTACT

(509) 578-5774

1363 Columbia Park Trail, Suite 101,

Richland, WA 99352

Request Appointment