Here is an example algorithm in headache diagnosis
Imaging the headache patient

Most headache patients you will encounter have normal neurological examination and a primary headache disorder. These patients do not need further testing to establish a diagnosis.

However, sometimes there is a pressure for further testing that is created by the expectation of reassurance beyond your word or expertise, as expressed by the patient, family, or your community of colleagues. It is important to avoid unnecessary testing! Therefore, it is important to understand when certain tests are indicated, and when they are not.


When to perform diagnostic imaging

Additional diagnostic evaluation is needed in cases that do not meet the criteria for a primary headache disorder, or which are associated with unusual or worrisome features, such as the red flag symptoms. These are the top ten reasons for ordering diagnostic imaging for your patient with headache:

  1. Headache characteristics are different from usual.
  2. Headaches occur with increasing severity or frequency.
  3. Headache differs from the typical International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for that headache type.
  4. Abnormality on the neurological examination.
  5. Patient experiences seizures.
  6. Headache is sudden or severe (thunderclap headache) or radiates to the neck and you need to rule out subarachnoid haemorrhage.
  7. Patient is suffering from refractory headaches.
  8. The headaches always occur ipsilaterally.
  9. Patient has a co-existing medical condition, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  10. Patient presents with red flags (remember SNOOPP).

Choice of imaging modality

Computed tomography (CT)

CT is faster, more readily available, and is used often in emergent situations. Emergent imaging, perhaps with a thunderclap headache, trauma, or when determining safety before lumbar puncture can be accomplished with a CT. CT is also superior for assessing bony lesions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is preferred for looking at soft tissue and brain parenchymal structures, and ruling out structural abnormalities. These include tumours, vascular lesions, infections, Arnold-Chiari malformations, pituitary masses, intracranial hypotension, or hydrocephalus.

Angiography / venography

CT / magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or venography might be needed to further assess vessels and vascular lesions.

Choice of imaging modality in headache
Choice of imaging modality in headache

When not to order diagnostic imaging for a patient with a headache

While there are no hard and fast rules about when to not image a patient, it is well documented that without focal neurologic examination abnormalities, the yield of imaging decreases.

When a patient has an established headache pattern for years, for instance a typical migraine, and has not had significant changes, they can often be treated without imaging. Many studies have looked for patterns in migraine and tension headache patients using imaging and there are generally no differentiating factors when the neurologic examination is normal.


This is an edited excerpt from the Medmastery course Headache Masterclass by Robert Coni, DO, EdS, FAAN. Acknowledgement and attribution to Medmastery for providing course transcripts.

References

Neurology Library: Headache – History, Examination and Investigation

Neurology Library

LITFL author Robert Coni DO EdS

Robert Coni, DO, EdS, FAAN. Vascular neurologist and neurohospitalist and Neurology Subspecialty Coordinator at the Grand Strand Medical Center in South Carolina. Former neuroscience curriculum coordinator at St. Luke’s / Temple Medical School and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. In my spare time, I like to play guitar and go fly fishing. | Medmastery | Linkedin |

Dr Hannah Bone LITFL Author

BMBS (The University of Nottingham) BMedSci (The University of Nottingham). Emergency Medicine RMO at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth, WA. Interested in Medical Education and Emergency Medicine. Swimmer and frequent concert attendee.

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