Diagnosing headaches

If you are experiencing frequent headaches, and especially if you suspect migraines, talking to your primary care physician is key. They'll delve into your medical history, symptoms, and examine you to make a correct diagnosis.

Talking to your general practitioner

If you are wondering if you have migraine headaches, reach out to your doctor. They will ask you thoroughly about the symptoms you are experiencing, your previous medical history, and any medication you take. They may also perform a clinical examination or take some tests. If you aren’t already using a headache diary you will be asked to do this for a period of time.

Keeping a headache diary

The headache diary is the most important tool your doctor has in order to assess your headache and make a diagnosis. Therefore, it is important that you keep a headache diary when you are undergoing evaluation. In the headache diary, you note when you have a headache, how intense the pain is, where the pain is located, how you feel during the headache, and what other symptoms occur in connection with the headache. The Brain Twin headache diary is easy to use for both you and your doctor.

Making a diagnosis

Based on what you report in the headache diary and the results of any other examinations, your general practitioner will make a diagnosis. If the GP finds the diagnosis unclear, or if you are not making progress with headache treatment, you may be referred to a neurologist. The neurologist will conduct many of the same examinations as the GP but has more options when it comes to investigating and treating headaches.