Headache Questions to Ask Patient
Comprehensive questions to assess headache symptoms, triggers, and impact on daily life for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
1When did the headache first start?
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When did the headache first start?
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Why this works
Timing is crucial for diagnosis. Acute onset may indicate serious conditions, while chronic headaches suggest different underlying causes.
2How would you describe the pain - throbbing, stabbing, pressure, or something else?
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How would you describe the pain - throbbing, stabbing, pressure, or something else?
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Why this works
Pain characteristics help differentiate between migraine, tension, cluster, and other headache types. Each has distinct pain qualities.
3Where exactly do you feel the pain - one side, both sides, front, back, or all over?
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Where exactly do you feel the pain - one side, both sides, front, back, or all over?
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Why this works
Location helps identify headache type. Migraines often affect one side, tension headaches typically bilateral, cluster headaches usually unilateral.
4On a scale of 1-10, how severe is the pain?
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On a scale of 1-10, how severe is the pain?
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Why this works
Pain intensity helps assess impact on daily function and guides treatment urgency. Severe pain may indicate need for immediate intervention.
5How long do the headaches typically last?
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How long do the headaches typically last?
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Why this works
Duration helps classify headache type. Migraines last 4-72 hours, tension headaches can be shorter, cluster headaches are typically 15-180 minutes.
6Do you experience any warning signs before the headache starts?
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Do you experience any warning signs before the headache starts?
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Why this works
Aura symptoms can indicate migraine with aura, helping differentiate from other headache types and guide treatment approach.
7What makes the headache worse - light, sound, movement, or certain activities?
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What makes the headache worse - light, sound, movement, or certain activities?
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Why this works
Triggers and aggravating factors help identify headache type and guide lifestyle modifications and treatment strategies.
8Have you noticed any patterns - time of day, day of week, or seasonal occurrence?
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Have you noticed any patterns - time of day, day of week, or seasonal occurrence?
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Why this works
Patterns can reveal triggers like hormonal changes, stress cycles, or environmental factors that may be contributing to headaches.
9Are there any other symptoms that accompany the headache - nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound?
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Are there any other symptoms that accompany the headache - nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound?
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Why this works
Associated symptoms are key diagnostic criteria for different headache types and help assess the severity of the condition.
10What medications have you tried for the headache and how effective were they?
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What medications have you tried for the headache and how effective were they?
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Why this works
Previous treatment response helps guide current treatment decisions and identifies what has or hasn't worked in the past.
11How often do you get headaches - daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently?
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How often do you get headaches - daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently?
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Why this works
Frequency helps classify headache type and assess impact on quality of life, guiding treatment intensity and approach.
12Have you experienced any recent changes in your sleep, stress levels, or daily routine?
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Have you experienced any recent changes in your sleep, stress levels, or daily routine?
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Why this works
Lifestyle factors are common headache triggers. Changes in sleep, stress, or routine can precipitate or worsen headaches.
13Do you have a family history of headaches or migraines?
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Do you have a family history of headaches or migraines?
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Why this works
Family history is important as migraines have a genetic component, and family patterns can help predict headache type and treatment response.
14Have you had any recent head trauma, infections, or other medical conditions?
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Have you had any recent head trauma, infections, or other medical conditions?
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Why this works
Recent medical events can be related to headache onset and help identify secondary causes that require different treatment approaches.
15How do the headaches affect your daily activities - work, school, social life?
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How do the headaches affect your daily activities - work, school, social life?
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Why this works
Functional impact assessment helps determine treatment urgency and guides disability management and workplace accommodations.
16What time of day do the headaches typically start?
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What time of day do the headaches typically start?
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Why this works
Timing can reveal patterns related to sleep, stress, or hormonal cycles, and help identify potential triggers or underlying causes.
17Do you notice any visual changes, numbness, or weakness during or before the headache?
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Do you notice any visual changes, numbness, or weakness during or before the headache?
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Why this works
Neurological symptoms can indicate serious conditions requiring immediate attention or help differentiate between headache types.
18Have you tried any non-medication treatments like relaxation, massage, or dietary changes?
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Have you tried any non-medication treatments like relaxation, massage, or dietary changes?
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Why this works
Non-pharmacological approaches are important components of headache management and can reduce medication dependence.
19Are you currently taking any medications for other conditions?
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Are you currently taking any medications for other conditions?
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Why this works
Other medications can cause headaches as side effects or interact with headache treatments, affecting treatment planning.
20What would you like to achieve with treatment - pain relief, prevention, or improved function?
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What would you like to achieve with treatment - pain relief, prevention, or improved function?
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Why this works
Understanding patient goals helps tailor treatment approach and ensures treatment aligns with patient expectations and needs.
Best Practices for Headache Assessment
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Use a Systematic Approach
Follow a consistent pattern when asking questions - onset, characteristics, associated symptoms, triggers, and impact. This ensures comprehensive assessment.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of headache patterns, treatments tried, and patient responses. This helps track progress and guide future treatment decisions.
Consider Red Flags
Always screen for warning signs of serious conditions like sudden onset, neurological symptoms, or changes in headache pattern that require immediate attention.
Question Sequences
The Comprehensive Assessment
The Trigger Investigation
Common Pitfalls
Don't Rush the Assessment
Headache assessment requires time and patience. Rushing through questions can lead to missed important details and incorrect diagnosis.
Avoid Leading Questions
Ask open-ended questions to get accurate information. Leading questions can bias patient responses and lead to incorrect conclusions.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
Always screen for warning signs of serious conditions. Missing red flags can lead to delayed diagnosis of life-threatening conditions.