Headache Differential Diagnosis

Headache can manifest in various ways, making diagnosis sometimes quite challenging. While symptoms may initially suggest migraine, it's crucial to rule out more serious underlying conditions first. For instance, headaches caused by intracranial lesions—such as those resulting from brain tumors—must be considered. Additionally, cerebrovascular events like strokes, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic types, should be excluded through a thorough evaluation of clinical symptoms, physical signs, and appropriate imaging studies.

Common Types of Primary Headaches

In the majority of cases, patients may be experiencing primary headache disorders such as migraine, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches. Migraine typically presents as a unilateral headache and is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Tension-type headache, the most common form, usually affects younger women and may be associated with symptoms of anxiety or depression. Cluster headaches, on the other hand, are more frequently observed in young males and tend to occur at predictable times, often during specific seasons.

Other Potential Causes

It's also important to consider neurological causes, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which can present with severe facial pain and headache. These conditions require a careful neurological assessment to accurately diagnose and differentiate from other headache types.

Accurate Diagnosis Requires Expert Evaluation

Given the wide range of possible causes, accurate diagnosis often requires input from specialists or even a multidisciplinary team. Proper identification of the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term management of headache disorders.