Medical and Health Care

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Headaches

Pathology Grid

Pattern

Likely Cause

Investigations

Pattern

Pulsating ± nausea

Likely Cause

Migraine

Investigations

ESR/CRP, exclude secondary triggers

Pattern

Tight band-like

Likely Cause

Tension headache

Investigations

Usually normal labs

Pattern

Fever + photophobia

Likely Cause

Meningitis/encephalitis

Investigations

CSF (LP) + cultures, viral PCR

Pattern

Thunderclap onset

Likely Cause

SAH

Investigations

CT brain non-contrast → LP for xanthochromia

Pattern

Worse AM, vomiting

Likely Cause

Raised ICP

Investigations

CT/MRI brain

Baseline tests for all persistent/chronic headaches

FBC

ESR/CRP

U&E/LFT

BP monitoring

Thyroid function

Red Flags

Neurological deficit

New headache >50 yrs

Vision loss

Seizures

Cancer history