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Testing for Migraine Headaches

Migraines are debilitating headaches that can last up to 72 hours. Sufferers will often undergo various medical tests. But essentially, a migraine diagnosis is based on your symptoms and the lack of signs that there is another cause of your pain.

  1. The Diary

    • One of the best diagnostic tools is a migraine diary. Write down the time and day of your headaches, the intensity of the pain and where it occurs, and any other accompanying symptoms (i.e., nausea). If you haven't already started a diary, your doctor is likely to request that you do so.

    Headache History

    • Similar to the diary, you typically will be asked about how long you've had headaches, whether anyone else in your family has them and the frequency and duration of the pain. A headache that began recently could be a sign of something other than a migraine.

    Brain Scans

    • Doctors often order a CAT scan or an MRI of the brain to rule out brain tumors, aneurysms and other brain diseases. They also look for infections, such as a sinus infection, that could be causing your pain. Sometimes, an X-ray of the sinuses is taken to look for such an infection.

    Body Chemistry

    • Doctors sometimes order blood and/or urine tests to look for thyroid disorders, diabetes and other issues that could cause headaches. A spinal tap also might be performed to check for meningitis, an infection that causes the brain to swell.

    Other Tests

    • Some doctors order eye exams to rule out glaucoma or other problems with the optic nerves that could cause headaches.

      Electroencephalograms (EEG), which measure brain waves to check for epilepsy or other causes of seizures, are sometimes ordered as well.

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