Investigation of Patients Presenting with Headache – MM1604
Authoritative advice is presented by the authors on the investigation of a common clinical problem, especially commissioned for family doctors and written by members of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Headache in the primary care setting most often has a benign cause, usually a primary headache disorder. A systematic approach to headache diagnosis, including careful history taking and physical examination to screen for red flag features, will identify those patients who require further investigation, without putting those who clearly have a primary headache disorder through unnecessary tests.
Neuroimaging may identify incidental unrelated neurological abnormalities that can heighten patient anxiety and lead to practical and ethical dilemmas regarding management.
Modern Medicine – April 2016
