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[Meaningful and useful assessment in headache]
1Klinik für Neurologie, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Headaches are common, but severe causes are rare. A thorough patient history and clinical exam often suffice for diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary tests.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Headache is a prevalent symptom with diverse etiologies.
- Distinguishing between primary and secondary headaches is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- Most headaches do not stem from severe organic diseases.
- Clinical evaluation, particularly detailed patient history, is paramount.
- Urgent examination for headaches is infrequent.
Findings:
- A comprehensive clinical assessment is typically sufficient for accurate headache diagnosis.
- Additional investigations are reserved for selected cases.
- Observation of the headache's natural course is often safe and effective.
Implications:
- This approach can reduce healthcare costs and patient anxiety.
- It emphasizes the importance of clinical skills in headache management.
- Timely diagnosis and appropriate management can be achieved without over-investigation.