Differential Diagnosis of Major Types of Headaches
What is this algorithm for?
An algorithm designed for the diagnosis of three primary headache (HA) types—Tension Headache, Migraine, and Cluster Headache — is proposed for consideration by massage therapists.
At the outset, it is imperative to acknowledge that the presented algorithm is of a rudimentary nature, focusing solely on fundamental headache symptoms. Nonetheless, this simplicity renders it highly accessible and expeditious, particularly catering to the time constraints faced by massage therapists during assessments.
Due to its inherent simplicity, it is essential to underscore that this algorithm is not intended for use by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, who necessitate a more sophisticated diagnostic approach owing to their comprehensive knowledge base.
Nevertheless, in massage therapy practice, the implementation of a differential diagnosis for headaches can prove invaluable. This approach facilitates a focused examination of the key distinctions among headache types, concurrently enabling the mastery of fundamental skills in differential diagnosis.
Given that the primary responsibilities of massage therapists typically extend beyond the realm of diagnosing headaches, the availability of a swift and efficient diagnostic method becomes particularly advantageous in optimizing their workflow.
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How to work with the algorithm
Considering that the suggested headache diagnostic algorithm comprises multiple stages, it is prudent to acquaint oneself with its structure and guiding principles. A downloadable PDF file is provided for your convenience, facilitating easy printing. Following the completion of the paper form, it can be systematically organized alongside other client paperwork for efficient record-keeping.
Initial stages of diagnosing headaches
During the initial stages, a significant aspect involves assessing whether the client presents any “Red Flags” – indicative signs that warrant heightened attention and may necessitate adjustments to the planned massage session. This pertinent information is encapsulated in the top table, delineating specific flags on the left-hand side and corresponding recommendations on the right. Read more about headache red flags here.
Subsequently, a thorough examination of potential chronic diseases linked to headaches is conducted. If any such conditions are identified, they should be documented for subsequent analysis.
It is imperative to note that if the presence of a chronic disease is definitively established as the root cause of the headache, further diagnostic procedures may be deemed unnecessary. In such instances, the headache serves as a symptomatic manifestation of the underlying ailment and does not bear independent diagnostic significance.
Diagnosis of headache types
The differential diagnosis process for headaches unfolds in two distinct stages, aligning with two separate tables.
In the first stage, attention is directed to the left table, which features four pertinent questions. Responses are to be recorded by marking the corresponding checkboxes provided. It is noteworthy that each checkbox is accompanied by letters denoting the associated headache type.
Following the acquisition of responses to the initial set of four questions, these answers are transposed to the second table within column A, aligning with the appropriate checkboxes. For instance, if the left table signifies the marking of the checkbox labeled with the letters M and C, the corresponding action in the right table involves checking checkboxes for M (migraine) and C (cluster headache). See Figure 1 and example below.
Immediately following this step, preliminary conclusions regarding the type of headache can be formulated. There may be several options:
- A singular type of headache predominates. This scenario entails a straightforward progression to the second stage.
- Two types of headaches predominate. It is highly probable that the third, less prominent headache type can be ruled out from consideration. Marking it as an unlikely option is advisable.
- In cases where all three headache types are evenly distributed, it raises the possibility that the client may have answered questions inattentively or might indeed experience different types of headaches. Delving into the client’s medical history, and seeking clarification on the responses to establish their connection, becomes crucial in such instances. It is important to note that this scenario is relatively uncommon.
In the second stage, a more detailed clarification of the headache type is undertaken through a series of additional questions presented in the second table. It is imperative to ask these questions from the client and meticulously record their responses by marking the designated checkboxes. It is noteworthy that distinct checkboxes are designated for affirmative responses (marked YES) and negative responses (marked NO).
It is advisable to systematically traverse through all the questions pertaining to each type of headache for a comprehensive assessment.
In instances where the client’s response is uncertain, it is recommended to either leave the checkboxes unmarked or use a question mark to denote ambiguity.
Consequently, the completion of the second table enables an extensive assessment of the headache type. Each negative response serves to diminish the significance of the associated headache type, whereas positive responses elevate its likelihood. The cumulative effect of affirmative answers in the second table correlates with the increased probability of a specific headache type. Refer to Figure 2 for a visual representation.
Occasionally, even after thorough clarification, the possibility of two remaining headache types may arise. This could be attributed to the limitations of the provided questions in achieving a clear differentiation. In such instances, it is advisable to pose additional inquiries that extend beyond the scope of the algorithm. Alternatively, the diagnosis can be deferred, allowing for the inclusion of more refined questions in subsequent client sessions. Read more about headache diagnostics here.
Indeed, the presence of two distinct headache types or the sequential development of one after another is plausible. A key strategy to differentiate between these scenarios involves eliciting information on the timeline of symptom onset. Clarifying the temporal sequence of specific signs will aid in effectively distinguishing between the types of headaches experienced by the client.
An example of diagnostics headaches using tables
First Stage (working with the left table)
The numbers in the text correspond to the blue numbers in the pictures
1. Ask a first question: Is the pain typically located unilaterally, bilaterally, or both? Let’s assume the client responded: The pain is Unilateral.
2. So, we mark the top checkbox in the left table.
3. Ask a second question: Is the pain usually noticeably pulsating? Client: Yes, it is.
4. So, mark the checkbox with the word «Pulsating».
5. Ask the other two questions and mark appropriate checkboxes.
6. You can see that each checkbox has letters next to it, like T, M, and C. These letters match the three main sections in the right table.
7. Now transfer answers to the right table. In our first question checkbox “Unilateral” has two letters M and C. That means that now we marked one checkbox in section M (Migraine) and one in С (Cluster Headache) section. The second answer was “Pulsating” which has one letter M. So we put another X mark in the right table in section M.
See the red arrows in Figure 1.
It’s up to you to transfer the answers from the left table to the right one either after each answer or after collecting all answers.
8. Now, observe that section M (Migraine) in the right table has accumulated the highest number of answers (the checked boxes in column A). You have the option to encircle or highlight this section, like in Figure 1.
Second Stage (working with right table)
9. We ask more questions (check out Figure 2) from the right table and put the answers in the checkboxes (see green marks).
10. If it’s a positive answer, mark it in the YES column.
11. If it’s a negative answer, mark it in the NO column.
12. We can check the final result now. There are more positive answers in the Migraine section. This indicates that Migraine is the likely type of headache.
What to do after diagnosing a headache
At this juncture, the data acquired through the differential diagnosis of headaches becomes instrumental. Recognizing that various headache types necessitate distinct massage tactics; the final page of the algorithm is dedicated to offering guidance in this regard.
It is imperative to note that while not obligatory, this page provides valuable recommendations contingent upon the identified headache type.
Although different massage clinics have their own approaches to treating different types of headaches, the best available scientific evidence should be followed.
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