Table 7 Diagnostic criteria for sentinel headache before ischemic stroke

A. Any headache fulfilling criteria B and C

B. Acute ischaemic stroke has been diagnosed

C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by least one of the following:

 1. a new headache never experienced before developed within one week before ischaemic stroke

 2. a previous headache with altered characteristics (severe intensity, increased frequency, prolonged duration, development of new accompanying symptoms, absence of effect of drugs for pain relief) developed within one week before ischaemic stroke

D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.