Definition
Headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face region, arising from primary causes (e.g., migraine, tension-type, cluster) or secondary causes (infection, hemorrhage, raised ICP, hypertension, trauma).
SOCRATES – Headache Assessment
- S – Site: unilateral, bilateral, frontal, occipital?
- O – Onset: sudden (thunderclap) or gradual?
- C – Character: pulsating, pressure-like, sharp?
- R – Radiation: neck, behind eyes?
- A – Associated symptoms: photophobia, nausea, weakness, fever, visual changes?
- T – Timing: episodic, continuous, morning worsening?
- E – Exacerbating/Relieving: stress, light, rest, sleep?
- S – Severity: 0–10 scale
Red Flags (Record Any Present)
- Sudden severe 'thunderclap' onset
- Neurological deficits
- Neck stiffness / fever
- Altered mental status
- New headache in patient >50 yrs
- Cancer, HIV, anticoagulation