The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The cause of a headache can be difficult to determine. The doctor will ask about the frequency and pattern of your headaches. To help provide answers, keep a diary of:

  • When your headaches start and end
  • What you were doing at the time
  • What you did to try to relieve pain
  • Family members with the same condition
  • Triggers that you are aware of
  • Where the pain is located and where it spreads to
  • Other symptoms associated with the pain

Tests to determine the cause of headaches include:

  • Neurological exam—The doctor may perform a neurological exam to assess:
    • Muscle strength
    • Coordination
    • Reflexes
    • Sensation
    • Mental status
    • Cranial nerve function
  • Blood tests—Blood tests may be done to exclude other causes of your headache. These include blood sugar , a complete blood count looking for ]]>anemia]]> or infection, as well as other studies to potentially look for evidence of inflammation.
  • ]]>X-rays]]> —X-rays of the neck may help determine if arthritis is contributing to a tension headache. Skull x-rays may be taken to check for structural changes responsible for ]]>sinusitis]]> .
  • ]]>CT scan]]> —This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head. A CT scan is used to check for conditions that may cause headaches or to determine if a structural problem is causing chronic sinusitis.
  • ]]>MRI scan]]> —This is a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head. An MRI scan can be used to check for any conditions ( ]]>tumor]]> or bleeding in head) that may be responsible for your headaches.
  • Nasal endoscopy—The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube to look inside your nose and possibly take samples of drainage to be tested for ]]>allergies]]> or infection.
  • ]]>Lumbar puncture]]> (LP, spinal tap)—During this procedure, spinal fluid is collected to look for bleeding, infections, or cancer.

Oftentimes, tests are done to rule out causes of your headaches.