Headache

Primary Causes of Headache

• Migraine
• Tension Headache
• Cluster Headache
  

Secondary Causes of Headache

• Meningitis
• SAH
• Carotid/Vertebral Artery Dissection
• Stroke - ischemic vs hemorrhagic
  
• Trauma
• Pseudotumor cerebri
• CNS Abscess
  
• Venous Sinus Thrombosis
• PRES Syndrome
• Glaucoma
  

History Red Flags

• New or changed symptoms in headache
• Headache worse w/ posture
• Sudden onset and severe
• Hx of HIV or cancer
• Hx of anti-coagulation or hypercoagulable state
  

Physical Exam Red Flags

• AMS
• Fever
• Nuchal rigidity
• Abnormal neuro exam