All triage presentations
Neurologic

Headache

ED triage front-load checklist

Quick view

Lead with the essentials

  1. 1Sudden or gradual
  2. 2Thunderclap/maximal at onset
  3. 3First/worst or different
  4. 4Exact onset
  5. 5Neurologic deficit
  6. 6Fever/neck stiffness
  7. 7Trauma
  8. 8Anticoagulants
  9. 9Vomiting
  10. 10Pregnancy/postpartum
Front-load

Key points

  • Sudden or gradual?
  • Thunderclap/maximal at onset?
  • First/worst or different?
  • Exact onset.
  • Neurologic deficit?
  • Fever/neck stiffness?
  • Trauma?
  • Anticoagulants?
  • Vomiting?
  • Pregnancy/postpartum?
  • Severe hypertension?
  • Similar to usual migraine?