The evaluation of a headache begins with a history and physical exam.

The diagnosis of a tension headache may be made without testing. Tests may be required to evaluate a headache when the cause is unclear.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a headache 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 by looking for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid
• Cerebral angiogram
• Sinus x-rays