Diagnosis
Traditionally headaches are diagnosed based on the history and the associated characteristics
During such evaluations, following the IHS criteria, given below, comes in very handy.
| Migraine | Tension-Type* | Cluster | |
| Location | Unilateral | Bilateral | Strictly unilateral |
| Intensity | Moderate/severe | Mild/moderate | Severe |
| Duration | 4 to 72 hours | 30 min to 7 days | 15 to 90 min |
| Quality | Throbbing | Pressing/tightening | Severe |
| Associated symptoms | Yes | No | Yes -- autonomic |
| Gender | Female > male | Female > male | Male > female |
Some of the conditions causing secondary headaches, such as bacterial meningitis, can result in severe brain damage or can even be fatal. Therefore, timely evaluation, with the help of the special tests, will help in the accurate diagnosis of the underlying causes. Some of these diagnostic tests include-
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- CT Scan to detect hematomas and hemorrhages
- MRI
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Special blood tests, such as thyroid tests and evaluation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate
The doctors decide on these tests based on the symptoms exhibited by the patients
