How Are Headaches Diagnosed?
By Alien
A is vaguely defined as pain in the head that is located above the eyes or the ears behind the head, or in the back of the upper neck. It's something almost everyone will experience at some point in their life and for many, the pain and frequency can become unbearable, prompting a visit to the doctor. Many types of headaches have very clear-cut symptoms and lead to an easily recognizable pattern and diagnosis. Others, however, will need further investigation.

Are All These Questions Necessary?

When you initially discuss your headaches with your doctor, you will probably be asked a variety of questions about your symptoms, family history and triggers as well as any other illnesses present. Your doctor will likely ask you questions that focus on the four major characteristics of headaches, which include:

* Quality - Is the pain tightening, sharp, throbbing or pulsating?

* Intensity - How do you rate the pain? Is it mild, moderate, severe, or very severe?

* Location - Is the on one or both sides of head?

* Response to physical activities - Does exercise intensify the headache?

Your doctor may also ask psychological questions to determine if you have any stressful influences in your life and if so, whether or not these might be contributing to your headaches. He or she may also refer you to a specialist for more detailed psychological questioning.

Diagnostic Tests

Once your doctor has discussed your history, he or she may find it necessary to order several diagnostic tests. These tests are requested not only to diagnose your headaches, but to ensure that a serious disease is not the underlying cause.

Blood Chemistry/Urinalysis

These types of tests may determine many medical conditions, including thyroid problems and infections, which can precipitate headaches.

MRI

An MRI is more advanced than a CAT scan and functions by using magnetic fields and radio waves rather than x-rays. It can detect vascular abnormalities that may be causing your headaches.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG may be ordered to determine brain activity. EEGs can indicate a malfunction in the brain, but they unfortunately can't usually pinpoint a problem that might be causing a headache. Your doctor may request this test to confirm that a more serious illness isn't present.

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan

A CAT scan can detect conditions inside the brain by radiographically showing brain structures that indicate physical causes of headaches.

Eye Exam

An eye exam is performed to check for weakness in the eye muscle or unequal pupil size, both of which are symptoms of an aneurysm and which may then cause pain.

Sinus X-Ray

A CT Scan and MRI will comparatively provide more information regarding the nature of your headache. Your doctor may still, however, request a sinus x-ray if he or she feels your symptoms warrant one.

Spinal Tap

A spinal tap is often ordered to determine if an underlying disease such as meningitis is causing the headache. The procedure itself may even leave a patient with a lingering headache.

What

Get Skiing & Snowboarding Packages. - Sponsored Link
Ad - www.SkiCanadianRockies.com Dec 5 2008 6:29AM GMT
Mother Seeks Answers After Police Shooting
The Morning News Dec 5 2008 6:29AM GMT
A web of support that works
Daily Princetonian Dec 5 2008 6:28AM GMT
Am Jrl of Public Health Highlights: February 2009
Newswise Dec 5 2008 6:28AM GMT
Online health information sources: the changing face of medicine
Active Home Dec 5 2008 6:24AM GMT
Hospital redevelopment on the go
Kingston Whig-Standard Dec 5 2008 6:24AM GMT
GlaxoSmithKline and The Carter Center Reaffirm Commitment to Global Public Health with Expansion of LF Program
Kait 8 Dec 5 2008 6:23AM GMT
'Where justice ends, mercy begins'
WA Today.com.au Dec 5 2008 6:22AM GMT
Are You Internet Addicted? Watch Video
WINK TV Dec 5 2008 6:18AM GMT
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Small retailers doing well by offering big variety
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Dec 5 2008 6:14AM GMT
Researchers discover new form of self-mutilation among teens
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Dec 5 2008 6:07AM GMT
Mix Of Taiji, Cognitive Therapy And Support Groups Benefits Those With Dementia
Science Daily Dec 5 2008 6:02AM GMT
Woman gets probation for setting tow truck on fire
Boston Globe Dec 5 2008 6:02AM GMT
Woman gets probation for setting tow truck on fire
The Sun News Dec 5 2008 5:58AM GMT
Online health information sources: the changing face of medicine
PC Magazine UK Dec 5 2008 5:55AM GMT
Woman gets probation for setting tow truck on fire
Modesto Bee Dec 5 2008 5:54AM GMT
Milwaukee County overtime could beat last year's record
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Dec 5 2008 5:43AM GMT
Teach children ways to cope with bullies
USA Today Dec 5 2008 5:42AM GMT
Protection of Human Rights a Priority of Government
Government of Jamaica Dec 5 2008 5:40AM GMT
Lisa Majersky: Don't privatize mental health
OnlineAthens Dec 5 2008 5:39AM GMT
SIXTH ANNUAL LEGAL AID LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS WINNERS (LALYs)
Legal Aid Practitioners Group Dec 5 2008 5:34AM GMT
Iraq stress clinics treat invisible wounds of US soldiers
Daily Times Dec 5 2008 5:31AM GMT
Poor Mental Health, Asthma Risk Linked?
WebMD Dec 5 2008 5:26AM GMT
NHS board leadership and the patient safety campaign
Health Service Journal Dec 5 2008 5:23AM GMT
Woman gets probation for setting tow truck on fire
Centre Daily Times Dec 5 2008 5:22AM GMT
3:10 p.m. - Community meeting will discuss early suicide intervention
Guam Pacific Daily News Dec 5 2008 5:20AM GMT
U. Houston professor explores self-help as anxiety treatment
U-Wire.com Dec 5 2008 5:19AM GMT
Residents, employees and corporations are 'getting their United Way on'
King Sentinel Dec 5 2008 5:19AM GMT
Plans to 'upgrade' ganja busted
The Voice Online Dec 5 2008 5:14AM GMT
Man shot by Merced police was aiming fake gun
Modesto Bee Dec 5 2008 5:09AM GMT
Outstanding St Mary's
Rye and Battle Observer Dec 5 2008 5:06AM GMT

Happens Next?

Headache treatment may be complicated and it's important that you understand the diagnosis. You may have to return for continued care and optimal treatment. Be sure to ask questions if you are unsure, particularly if you have concerns or confusion regarding the treatment plan suggested by your doctor. There may be dietary changes you will have to familiarize yourself with, or prescription medications side effects to understand.

With so many types of headaches and an enormous range of symptoms among individual sufferers, seeing a doctor and possibly even a specialist is important in obtaining treatment for painful and persistent headaches. Treating your headaches begins with accurate and prompt diagnosis, so be sure to make an appointment to see your healthcare provider early on instead of suffering in silence. Good communication with your physician can help to keep your days headache-free.

Alien writes for Migraine symptoms. He also writes for home remedies for headaches and depression treatment