Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Neuropathic and neurological pain

Investigation of headache

Richard Stark
Abstract
Most patients presenting with recurrent or chronic headache will have one of the three primary headache disorders, therefore investigations are unlikely to be abnormal. It is important, however, to exclude serious neurological disease.
Key Points
  • Most patients presenting with chronic or recurrent headache will have one of the primary headache disorders; therefore, investigations are unlikely to be abnormal.
  • A sound understanding of the usual presentation of the common primary headaches is vital. Often, these headaches can be diagnosed without the need for special tests.
  • Headaches occurring with new, abrupt onset or with relentless progression are likely to be caused by specific pathology and appropriate investigation must be carried out.
  • In most cases in which brain imaging is required, MRI is preferable to CT, which may lead to practical difficulties for GPs.
  • The mnemonic ‘SNOOP-4’ is a useful checklist of ‘red flag’ conditions in patients presenting with headache.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?