Overview
A healthcare provider diagnoses a spinal headache based on your history and symptoms. If you’ve had a spinal tap in the last 14 days, the diagnosis is often obvious. In that case, you usually don’t need tests.
If you haven’t had a spinal tap, providers typically use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose the source of the headache. This imaging test allows your provider to see your brain and spinal cord to look for signs of leaking cerebrospinal fluid.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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