The cause of a headache can be hard to find. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked questions about your headaches, such as how often they happen, what you are doing when they happen, and what helps to ease the pain. A physical exam will be done.
These tests may be done to find the cause:
-
Neurological exam to check:
- Muscle strength
- Coordination
- Reflexes
- Sensation
- Mental status
- Cranial nerve function
- Lumbar puncture —Spinal fluid is collected to look for bleeding, infection, or cancer. The pressure may also be measured.
- Nasal endoscopy—A thin, lighted tube with a camera is placed in the nose. If needed, tissue samples can be taken and tested.
Images of the head may be taken. Some tests may use IV contrast injection to make the images easier to see. Imaging tests may include:
References
Cluster headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cluster-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Migraine in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/migraine-in-adults. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Tension-type headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tension-type-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/09/2022