The Secondary Headaches · ICHD-3 · 7

Non-vascular intracranial disorders

Intracranial pressure, tumour, cyst, and cerebrospinal fluid disorders live here. Do not dismiss morning headache, projectile vomiting, or pain worse lying down or with cough. Those features are not specific for tumour either.

When imaging becomes necessary

Progressive headache, a neurological sign, papilloedema, personality change, seizure, or known cancer move imaging from optional to necessary. Without these, typical migraine and a normal examination usually do not need a scan. Explaining that logic is part of settling care.

These pages are written for health professionals. They do not replace a history, examination, or clinical judgment. Treatment is decided for each patient individually.