Cough Headaches

A healthcare provider will diagnose a cough headache after a physical exam and testing. During the exam, your provider will ask about which symptoms you’re experiencing, how often they happen and how long they last.

Testing can help your healthcare provider determine if an underlying condition caused your headache (secondary cough headache) or rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Your provider may offer tests like:

• A lumbar puncture.
• A CT scan (computed tomography scan).
• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
• Blood tests.