Abstract

Study design: Prospective observational study with consecutive sampling.
Purpose: To study the Distribution of Ophthalmic Causes of Headache among patients presenting to the screening counter of a Tertiary Hospital
Methods: New patients presenting to the screening counter of a hospital were included. Among those presenting with headache, the primary referral pattern was studied. The Ophthalmic diagnosis reached in these patients were noted. In the second phase, all patients presenting with headache were referred to Ophthalmology OPD and the pattern of Ophthalmic diagnosis was studied.
Results: 14% in the first phase vs 54% in the second phase among the patients presenting with headache had Ophthalmic causes diagnosed in the two phases.
Conclusion: The usual referral and screening pattern of headache leads to many missed ophthalmic diagnoses. It is imperative to have an eye examination to rule out Ophthalmic causes of headache so as to pick up important diagnoses.

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