Consider the diagnosis of a Cervicogenic Headache when the following findings are present:
A. Pain localized to the neck and occipital region, potentially with projection to forehead, orbits, temples, vertex or ears.
B. Pain is precipitated or aggravated by particular neck movements or sustained postures.
C . At least one of the following:
1. Resistance to or limitation of passive neck movements.
2. Changes in neck muscle contour, texture, tone or response to active and passive stretching and contraction.
3. Abnormal tenderness of neck muscles.
D. Radiological imaging reveals at least one of the following:
1. Movement abnormalities in flexion/extension.
2. Abnormal posture.
3. Fractures, congenital abnormalities, bone tumors, rheumatoid arthritis or other distinct pathology (not spondylosis or osteochondrosis).
References
1. Headache classification committee of the IHS. Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain. Cephalalgia 1988 8: 1-96.
