Overview
Understanding headache and migraine
Primary headaches, such as migraine or tension-type headache, occur on their own. Secondary headaches are caused by another medical condition. Nerve-related facial or head pain can follow a different pattern again.
A headache diary can help show frequency, duration, triggers, associated symptoms, and medication use. A change from a person’s usual pattern is important to mention.
Useful context
What people may notice
- Pressure, throbbing, stabbing, or electric pain
- Pain on one side, both sides, behind the eye, or beginning in the neck
- Nausea or sensitivity to light, sound, or movement
- Visual, sensory, or speech changes before or during some attacks
At the clinic
How evaluation works
- 01
Review the start, location, frequency, duration, and associated symptoms of each pattern.
- 02
Check medication use and possible triggers, including sleep and hydration changes.
- 03
Perform a physical and neurologic examination.
- 04
Order imaging or other testing only when the history or examination raises concern for a secondary cause.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.