Title | Approach to Headache. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Bobker SM, Safdieh JE |
Journal | Semin Neurol |
Volume | 41 |
Issue | 6 |
Pagination | 633-643 |
Date Published | 2021 Dec |
ISSN | 1098-9021 |
Abstract | There is a very high prevalence of headache in both outpatient and inpatient settings, in the United States and worldwide, due to an abundance of possible causes. Having a practical and systematic approach to evaluating and treating headache is, therefore, key to making the correct diagnosis, or possibly overlapping diagnoses. Taking a thorough and methodical headache history is the mainstay for diagnosis of both primary and secondary headache disorders. Evaluation and workup should include a complete neurological examination, consideration of neuroimaging in specific limited situations, and serum or spinal fluid analysis if indicated. Adopting a diagnostic approach to headache ensures that cannot-miss, or potentially fatal, headache syndromes are not overlooked, while resource-intensive tests are performed only on an as-needed basis. |
DOI | 10.1055/s-0041-1726360 |
Alternate Journal | Semin Neurol |
PubMed ID | 34826868 |