Causes of Primary Headaches - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm

Unilateral

 • Migraine (Throbbing/Pulsating)

Bilateral

 • Tension/Stress Headache (Tightening, Band-Like, Dull)

Autonomic Cephalgias - Last for minutes to hours. Separated by hours. Sudden onset.

 • Cluster Headache (Orbital, Sharp, Autonomic Dysfunction)

 • Hemicranial Continua

Clusters, Other - Last for seconds, separated by minutes to hours

 • Trigeminal Neuralgia (Shooting, stabbing)

Other

 • Primary Cough Headache

 • Primary Exertional Headache

 • Primary Stabbing Headache



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