A careful physical examination is done to check for clues to possible headache causes and also to check the nervous system. Those with tension-type, migraine or cluster headaches will usually have a normal physical test. The doctor will ask detailed questions regarding the patient's headache history.
A CT (computed tomography) imaging test can be done, as well as a MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging tes and lastly a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging test. These will show up any tumour or other abnormality in the brain.