What is the single most important part when diagnosing headache?
HISTORY
What structures can be a cause of headache?
Trigeminovascular system, meninges, CSF containing structures, muscles, nerves
What processes can lead to headaches?
Inflammation, infection, pressure, obstruction
What is the classification of headaches?
Primary - a headache with no underlying condition - cluster headache/migraine
Secondary - a headache with a cause such as ICP, space occupying lesion, vasculitis/arteritis
Which headache specific questions can you ask?
Does posture make a difference? Do bright lights/noises make it worse? Vomiting, dizziness, loss of vision, changes in sensation/power? Nose bleeds? Drugs - codeine, OCP? Caffeine?
What is papilloedema?
Raised intracranial pressure that you can see at the back of the eye