If you're dealing with headaches — especially new, changing, or severe ones — we want to understand them fully and safely.
Most headaches, including migraines, aren’t dangerous. But sometimes, a headache can be a sign of something more serious. That’s why we use a screening tool called SNOOP to check for red-flag features.
🧠 What is “SNOOP”?
It’s a quick checklist that helps us flag symptoms that might need immediate attention, imaging, or referral to a specialist.
Here’s what we ask — and why:
🛑 S – Systemic symptoms or illness
Are you having a fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss?
Do you have a known cancer or HIV history?
Why it matters: These raise concern for infection or cancer-related pressure changes in the brain.
🧠 N – Neurological signs
Have you had vision changes, confusion, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking?
Do you feel “off” in a way you can’t explain?
Why it matters: These symptoms could signal a stroke, seizure, or inflammation in the brain.
🆕 O – Onset that’s sudden or severe
Did the headache start instantly or feel like being “hit by a lightning bolt”?
Is it the worst headache of your life?
Why it matters: A sudden “thunderclap” headache may be a warning sign of bleeding or vascular emergency.
🧓 O – Older age at onset
Did your headaches begin after age 50?
Why it matters: First-time headaches in older adults are more likely to have an underlying structural or vascular cause.
🌀 P – Positional, Pattern change, or Papilledema
Do your headaches worsen when lying down or standing up?
Has your headache pattern changed recently (frequency, intensity, location)?
Do you feel pressure behind the eyes, have blurred vision, or notice pulsing?
Why it matters: These signs might indicate high brain pressure or structural abnormalities.
🔎 What happens next?
If any SNOOP features are present, we may:
Recommend a same-day exam
Refer for neuroimaging (MRI or CT)
Connect you with a neurologist
Order labs or other workups to rule out serious causes
If SNOOP is negative, we’ll work with you on a clear migraine or headache management plan — including triggers, lifestyle changes, medication options, and supplements if needed.
💡 If your headaches are:
Worsening
New for you
Interfering with your daily life
Or feel “not like your usual”
Don’t wait. Let’s take a look together — so we can keep you safe, supported, and fully seen.