Page 35 - The-Complete-Guide-to-Migraine-Headaches_Neat

The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 36 of 87

Part-III: Diagnosis of Migraine Headaches

12. How to Diagnosis Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches occur due to a variety of causes. Doctors and physicians
follow a set pattern for diagnosis of a migraine. The very first step is to look for

hereditary factors. Doctors often advise chronic headache patients to maintain a

diary to record the time and specific features of their headache.

You have to give details of:

¾ Time of occurrence of headache; both the dates and time of day too

¾ Type of pain; whether it is throbbing, splitting, mild or unbearable

¾ Location of the pain; on one side of the head or all over the head

¾ Accompanying symptoms; nausea, vomiting, giddiness, pain in the
muscles

¾ Duration of the headache; an hour, few hours, or few days

¾ Frequency of occurrence; fortnightly, monthly, intermittently, or during
specific periods like menstrual cycle

¾ Place of occurrence; indoors or outdoors

¾ Proximity to any strong odors or scents

¾ Any specific medications that seemed to provide relief

¾ Any stress related cause; physical exertion, intense sexual activity or

emotional outburst

¾ Lack of proper meals or hydration

¾ Environmental factors; weather or altitude

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 36.