Cluster Headaches

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic doctors who have training in headache conditions evaluate people who may have cluster headaches.

To diagnose cluster headaches, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss your pain, and the severity, location and frequency of your attacks. During a neurologic examination, your doctor will check for physical signs of a cluster headache. Your doctor may order imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of your headaches.

Tests may include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed, three-dimensional image of your brain.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain.

Read more about CT scan and MRI at MayoClinic.com.