Assessment is critical in determining the type and severity of a headache. Nurses should conduct a thorough history and physical examination, asking the following questions:
- When did the headache start, and how long does it last? - Can you describe the pain and its location? - Are there any triggers or relieving factors? - Have you experienced any associated symptoms such as nausea or visual disturbances? - Is there a family history of headaches or migraine?
Based on the assessment, nurses can help differentiate between primary headaches (like migraines and tension headaches) and secondary headaches, which may indicate an underlying condition such as a brain tumor or infection.
