Abstract

Taking a headache history

Author(s): Muhammad Akunjee, Hafiz Syed

Headache is the most common neurological symptom to present in general practice. The description and intensity of headaches can vary from patient to patient, making it difficult to differentiate the most urgent cases from those that are benign. Their management may vary from a few tablets of paracetamol, to an urgent craniotomy and clot evacuation. A thorough meticulous history is therefore essential to avoid overlooking more sinister causes. In this article we provide a systematic approach to taking a headache history that can aid medical students and junior doctors in arriving at the correct diagnosis.