ICHD-3 headache types
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) provides standardized diagnostic criteria. Accurate classification — migraine with or without aura, tension-type, cluster or chronic migraine — directly changes treatment. Without classification, patients may receive ineffective therapy or miss preventive opportunities.
Related: Headache → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Diary-based evaluation
A headache diary is the foundation of evaluation. It captures frequency, severity, associated symptoms (nausea, light sensitivity, aura), triggers, and medication days. This allows accurate ICHD-3 classification and identifies medication-overuse when present — a reversible contributor to chronic daily headache.
- Record headache days, severity, triggers
- Track medication use and frequency
- Note associated symptoms (aura, nausea, photophobia)
When to see a headache specialist vs general neurologist
A general neurologist manages common neurological conditions; a headache specialist has additional focus on ICHD-3 classification, diary-driven management and preventive strategy for frequent or complex headache. If you have 10+ headache days/month, rising medication use, or have failed basic treatments, specialist evaluation may be beneficial.
What to bring to your first visit
Bring a headache diary (at least 4 weeks), list of current and past medications with doses, any prior investigations, and a family member who can provide additional observations about your headaches.
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| 4-week headache diary | Enables ICHD-3 classification |
| Medication list with doses | Identifies overuse or ineffective therapy |
| Prior investigations | Avoids unnecessary repetition |