Headache & Migraine Root-Cause Sorter

Match your pattern to the biology driving it, and rule out the headaches that are not headaches.

Headache & Migraine Root-Cause Sorter, prepared

🚨 First, the ones that are not migraines. Came on like a thunderclap, or is the worst headache of my life Fever with a stiff neck, or a new rash New weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech, or vision loss Started after a head injury Brand new headache and I am over 50, or I have scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing Wakes me from sleep, or is worse lying down, coughing or straining Pregnant or just gave birth, or I have cancer or a weakened immune system

Where does it hurt?

What comes with it?

--Most likely driver

Educational information only, not medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this page. This tool sorts patterns and suggests habits; it cannot diagnose a headache and it cannot see you. Some headaches are caused by bleeding, infection, raised pressure, or inflamed arteries, and those are emergencies. Get urgent care for a headache that comes on like a thunderclap, the worst headache of your life, headache with fever and a stiff neck, headache after a head injury, headache with new weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech, or vision loss, a new headache after age 50, a headache that wakes you from sleep or is worse when you lie down or strain, or any new headache in pregnancy or with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system. Magnesium accumulates in kidney disease and should not be supplemented without your Doctor. Never stop a butalbital or opioid-containing medication abruptly. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. From The Doctor Teacher.