Headache is a one of the most common problems encountered in clinical practice. Over 90 per cent of headaches\nfall into one of four diagnostic categories: (1) Tension-type headache; (2) Migraine headache; (3) Cluster headache;\nand (4) Medication overuse headache. The mainstay of diagnosis of these common headaches is the taking of a\ncareful targeted headache history. The physical examination in patients suffering from these common headaches concern. Appropriate use of diagnostic imaging including magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine\nis indicated in those patients with a recent onset of headaches and in those patients in whom a previously stable\nheadache pattern has changed. Laboratory testing will also help the clinician rule out co-existent or occult disease\nthat may be contributing to the patient�s headache symptomatology. In most cases, treatment plans should be aimed\nat preventing headache rather than aborting the headache after symptoms have already occurred. Care must be\ntaken to identify overuse or misuse of medications prescribed to treat headache, as many of these medications have\nthe propensity to cause medication overuse headaches.
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