Neurology » Evaluation of common symptoms

Headache

Primary headache accounts for about 90% of all headaches. There are three types of primary headache: tension headache, cluster headache, and migraine. Secondary headache is associated with an underlying condition. Headaches associated with specific symptoms may warrant urgent medical attention, particularly sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck; headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person with no previous history of headaches; and recurring headache in children. The most important step in diagnosing a headache is for the physician to take a careful history and to examine the patient. Where doubt remains, or if there are abnormalities detected on examination, further investigations are justified. Computed tomography (CT/CAT) scans of the brain or sinuses are commonly performed or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in specific settings. Treatment is essentially that of the cause.

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