Man Having a Headache, grabbing his head.

Headache Diagnosis

Not all headaches are the same, so your doctor will need to evaluate your symptoms. Knowing how to give a detailed report about the characteristics of your pain is key to reaching a diagnosis.

Doctor talking to patient.

How Your Doctor Will Diagnose Your Headache

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

Do You Need an MRI to to Diagnose Your Headache?

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

Head pain associated with the occipital nerves is sudden, jabbing, piercing, burning and/or throbbing.

An Overview of Occipital Neuralgia

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

Side view of young woman sitting on sofa with hand touching head

How To Best Prepare For Your Headache Evaluation

Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD

blurry city skyline

An Overview of Migraine With Aura

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

What Type of Brain Imaging is Warranted for My Headache?

Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD

What to Expect When Undergoing a SPECT Scan

Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD

Mature woman with head in hands and eyes closed

Each Type of Headache Has a Different Cause

Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD