The evaluation of chronic headaches begins with a history and physical exam.

The diagnosis of a tension headache may be made without testing. Tests are needed when other causes must be excluded.

Tests that may be used to evaluate chronic headaches include:

• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• CT scan of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• Lumbar puncture:
• A small number of people with subarachnoid hemorrhage may only be detected by this test
• Cerebral angiogram
• Sinus x-rays