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Causes of headache: an illustrated ddx

Added 2020-03-02 05:00:01 +0000 UTC

At long last, I have completed the next illustrated differential diagnosis - headache. There are a few primary, and almost 30 secondary causes in this batch. Those following closely might have noticed my backgrounds are getting more elaborate. I'm sure there are easier ways to do it, but I think the art is getting better as I go along, and this puts me one chapter closer to creating a book from the collection.

Headaches are a very common problem; up to 3/4 adults suffer from at least one each year. Often these are mild, short-lived, and require no treatment. Others can be debilitating, and a few need urgent intervention to prevent disability and death.

Knowing about the causes helps guide history-taking, examination, and tests that can reveal the problem and guide care. It is a surprisingly large topic, so while I’ve tried to touch on many key diagnoses, be aware that others exist!

You can read my full illustrated article on the topic on Artibiotics: artibiotics.com/blog/causes-of-headache

Patrons are being sent out PDF Poster Packs, and can look forward to a behind-the-scenes post next week sharing a bit more of my process.

Thank you to all who have followed the creation of this one; I hope it's been interesting. Now on to the next symptom!