Diagnosis and investigation of headache.

BACKGROUND

Headache is one of the commonest medical complaints. It is usually benign but may be the first presentation of serious disease.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the symptoms and signs that suggest the diagnosis of the common headaches and discusses which headache presentations require investigation.

DISCUSSION: An accurate clinical history is the key to diagnosing the cause of a headache. A new headache of acute onset or progressing over days to weeks or associated with abnormal neurological signs requires investigation.