Headache history-taking station

Headache stations test whether you can confidently separate primary headaches from sinister secondary causes. A calm, systematic history is what keeps the consultation safe within ten minutes.

How to structure it

• Explore the headache: onset (especially thunderclap), site, character, timing and triggers.
• Screen hard for red flags — sudden severe onset, fever with neck stiffness, visual change, weakness, early-morning vomiting.
• Ask about associated features, medication use and relevant history.
• Explore the patient’s ideas and concerns — fear of a brain tumour is common and worth addressing.

Common pitfalls

• Missing the thunderclap onset that should raise concern.
• Reassuring before excluding red flags.
• Using jargon when explaining your thinking.

Examiners reward safe red-flag screening, a sensible differential, and clear safety-netting about what would warrant urgent review.