migraine headaches are usually diagnosed when the symptoms are present. migraine generally begins in childhood to early adulthood. while migraines can first occur in an individual beyond the age of 50 advancing age makes other types of headaches more likely. a family history is usually present suggesting a genetic predisposition in migraine sufferers. the physical examination of individuals with migraine attacks usually is normal. patients with the first headache ever worst headache ever a significant change in the characteristics or a headache or an association of the headache with nervous system symptoms such as visual or hearing or sensory loss may require additional tests to exclude diseases other than migraine. the tests may include blood testing brain scanning (either ct or mri) or a spinal tap.
how is a migraine headache diagnosed?