Migraine Headaches: Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is critical to successful headache treatment. That being said, both you and your physician need to communicate clearly to effectively diagnose and treat your disorder. Ask your doctor direct and specific questions and make sure you understand the answers. The more clearly and specifically you can communicate your symptoms to your physician, the more likely you are to find relief.

Headaches are diagnosed by matching symptoms to typical headache classifications. Keeping a headache diary can help your doctor identify triggers and isolate precipitating factors that may either contribute to or aggravate your condition. In addition, knowing your family medical history can help your doctor to accurately diagnose a disorder.

At NeuroHealth, we use a multi-disciplinary program to study the whole person and begin the diagnostic process. Led by neurologist Gary A. L'Europa, MD, our evaluation process starts with an in-depth discussion with you about your headaches, when they began, their location, frequency, duration, severity, associated symptoms and triggers. We review past treatment failures as well as successes.

Diagnosis continues with complete neurological and musculoskeletal exams and any appropriate diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood work, Electroencephalography (EEG), (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). At times, we may refer you to an affiliated specialist if further evaluation is needed.

Once diagnosed, educating yourself on the type of headache you have and appropriate treatment for it can help you effectively manage it. For many headaches sufferers, some combination of stress management therapy and medication is often an effective way to manage their disorder. Because people react differently to various medications and therapies, you and your physician will need to find the right combination to help you prevent and effectively manage emerging headaches.

The good news is that headache research and treatment are evolving specialties. New and increasingly successful therapies are emerging every day.