In order to treat headaches properly, it is important to know what type of headache it is: Tension headache or migraine? The following headache test helps to better classify your own complaints.
Headache test
The following test can give an indication of whether your headache is a tension headache or migraine. However, it does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor or neurologist.
Please read the statements about tension headache and migraine carefully and note which of the statements you would answer yes to and which no to.
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Symptoms Table
| Tension-type headache | Migraine |
|---|---|
| Headache is felt bilaterally and involves the whole head. | Headache is felt mainly on one side. |
| Headache feels dull-pressing. | Headache feels throbbing-pulsating. |
| Headache improves with exercise or fresh air. | Headache gets worse with exercise. Daily life is interfered with. |
| The headache is mild to moderate. | Headache is moderate to very severe. |
| Headache is not accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Sensitivity to light or noise (not both) is possible. | Headache is accompanied by sensitivity to light or noise, possibly nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. |
Evaluation for headache test
At least two yes answers per column make each diagnosis likely. The following provides instructions for evaluation.
Test result: tension headache
With two or more yes answers to the tension headache statements, you probably suffer from this type of headache.
For self-treatment, experts recommend a combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen, and caffeine as the first-line treatment. Talk to your pharmacist about this.
Test result: migraine
If you have two or more yes answers in the migraine column, you most likely have migraine. This neurological condition should be treated by a doctor.
While mild to moderate pain can be effectively treated with combination medications of ASA, acetaminophen, and caffeine, severe to very severe pain should be treated with prescription triptans.
Test result: both forms of headache
If you answered yes to more than one box under both headings, you should talk to a doctor about your headaches. It is possible that you are suffering from both forms of headache.
Test result: no headache type.
If you answered yes to fewer than two boxes, you are not a typical migraine or tension headache type. For occasional symptoms, endurance sports or relaxation exercises can help. This applies to all sufferers, by the way.
Headache due to medication overuse?
The following questions according to Prof. Hartmut Göbel of the Kiel Pain Clinic can help you assess whether your headache may be caused by medication overuse:
- Do you take medication for acute treatment of your headaches on more than 10 days per month?
- Do you experience headaches on more than 15 days per month?
- Are the headaches increasing in frequency?
If you can answer “yes” to at least two of the questions, this makes the diagnosis likely. Please consult with your physician.
