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 Headaches Are Diagnosed

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

When Brain Imaging is Needed to Diagnose Headache

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

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

Occipital Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

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

Getting Ready for a Doctor's Visit For Your Headache

By Colleen Doherty, MD

blurry city skyline

Migraine With Aura: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

Brain Imaging for Headaches

Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD

SPECT Scan: Uses, Side Effects, Procedure, Results

Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD

Mature woman with head in hands and eyes closed

Types of Headache You Can Have

Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD