Diagnosing cervicogenic headache can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches. In addition, there is no definitive test for cervicogenic headache, and diagnosis is often based on a thorough physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Imaging like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and/or CT myelography may be ordered to help rule out Chiari malformations, nerve root pathology assessment, or identify spinal cord pathology
A diagnostic nerve block injection may also be used to determine whether the pain is originating from the cervical spine.