Exams and Tests

• The doctor will ask you questions about your headache and other medical problems and will do a physical examination.
  
  
• Blood or urine tests may be ordered.
  
  
• Specialized imaging tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI may be done under certain circumstances, either as an emergency procedure or on a more routine basis. Regular x-rays are rarely helpful.
  
  
• Certain types of headaches may require the doctor to do a lumbar puncture or "spinal tap." This test involves the removal of a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spinal cord) to examine for signs of infection or other problems. This test may cause some discomfort because the needle is inserted in the lower part of the back into the spinal canal in order to collect the sample for analysis. It is a very safe test, but, unfortunately the removal of spinal fluid may make your headache transiently worse.
  
  
• Sometimes referral to a specialist may be necessary.