The Role of Laboratory Testing in the Evaluation of Headache

• Autores: Charles D. Donohoe
• Localización: Medical clinics of North America, ISSN 0025-7125, Vol. 97, Nº. 2, 2013 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Managment of acute and chronic headche pain), págs. 217-224
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Blood tests have a minor role in headache management and that role is limited to a few secondary headache conditions. In headache, as with any symptom, laboratory tests should be chosen based on solid clues derived from the targeted history and physical examination. A shotgun approach to blood tests that includes rare diseases or those with low local prevalence frequently yields false-positive results, which exposes the patient to the expense, anxiety, and risk inherent in misdiagnosis. Keep it simple and do not forget about spinal fluid.