Chronic Headache Test | Labs for Migraines & Headaches

Nearly everyone has had a headache in their lifetime, making them one of the most common forms of pain worldwide. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders —such as migraines, cluster headaches, tension-type headaches, and chronic daily headaches— affect approximately 40% of the population.¹

Chronic headaches are defined as daily headaches that occur 15 days or more per month, for at least 3 months. Causes of chronic headaches vary from person to person, which makes it difficult to identify what’s contributing to ongoing headaches. Research suggests that dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and abnormal blood pressure may play a role in triggering or worsening headaches.

This test evaluates key health markers related to these potential triggers, many of which are modifiable factors that can often be managed through diet, hydration, or lifestyle changes. Understanding these results can help you start a conversation with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, your headache history, and next steps that may help you manage or reduce them over time.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this chronic headache test panel online and visit a nearby Quest location.

Sample type: Blood
Test type: In Person
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Preparation: Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long.

This test may be right for you if you experience ongoing or frequent headaches and want to explore whether certain modifiable factors—like vitamin levels, electrolyte balance, hydration status, or blood pressure—could be contributing.

It may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are experiencing chronic headaches (daily headaches that occur 15 days or more per month, for more than 3 months) and want to monitor electrolyte, vitamin, and hydration marker levels (see Signs and symptoms section below)
You do not meet the criteria for chronic headaches but experience recurring or severe headaches and want to understand if these common, modifiable factors could be playing a role
You’ve already been evaluated for other causes of headaches but want to check whether lifestyle-related factors might be contributing to their persistence or severity
You are curious about electrolyte, vitamin, and hydration marker levels in your blood

This blood test for headaches measures levels of electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium), vitamins (B2, B6, B9, B12, and D), and hydration markers (BUN/creatinine ratio and serum osmolality), as well as blood pressure. Each of these markers has been known to contribute to headaches and headache disorders when levels are abnormal.

Calcium is an essential mineral needed in our bodies. It is the most abundant mineral found in the body and plays an important role in keeping your heart and muscles functioning normally.

Chloride is an essential electrolyte that helps to balance fluids inside and outside of your body's cells. Chloride plays an essential role in metabolism and is also instrumental in maintaining proper blood volume and blood pressure.

Magnesium is an essential mineral needed in our bodies in large amounts. Magnesium plays an important role in keeping your heart and muscles functioning normally, regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, and helping your body absorb calcium. Research suggests that there is strong evidence for magnesium deficiencies leading to headaches. Magnesium and vitamin D work closely in the body and research has found that correcting these imbalances have pain-relieving and preventative effects.²

Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps to regulate water balance, blood pressure, and heart rate. Potassium is also necessary for muscle contraction and nerve function. Potassium and sodium electrolytes work together to help maintain fluid balance and blood volume, nerve and muscle growth, heart function, and pH balance in the body.

Sodium is an essential electrolyte carefully regulated by the kidneys and plays an important role in the body's fluid balance. Sodium is essential for muscle and nerve function and hydration.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a form of nitrogen found in urea. Urea is a waste product created by the liver as it breaks down protein and filters out toxic substances, like ammonia, from your body. Urea is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered and eliminated from the body through urine.

The liver also produces creatine, which the muscles use as an energy source. During normal muscle use, some creatine will be broken down into creatinine as a waste product by the muscles. Creatinine is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered and eliminated from the body through urine.

The BUN/creatinine ratio is used to assess kidney function and hydration status.

Serum osmolality is a blood test to help monitor the body's water balance. Osmolality is the measure of the concentration of all chemical particles found in the fluid portion of blood (serum). Low blood levels may indicate overhydration, while high levels may indicate dehydration.

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin used by mitochondria in our cells to turn food into energy. If you don't eat enough riboflavin-rich foods, or if your body doesn't store or absorb enough of it, you may have low levels. Research has shown that when mitochondria are not working properly, it can lead to headaches and that supplementing with riboflavin may help to prevent them.³

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in the body, with over 100 enzymes dependent on it for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also helps support brain health and protect cells from damage. Not having enough pyridoxine may cause depression, confusion, cracks at the corners of the mouth, a swollen tongue, or microcytic anemia (a condition when there are fewer and smaller red blood cells than usual). Research has shown that inadequate intake of vitamin B6 and B9 may be associated with a higher risk of migraine.³

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is necessary for red and white blood cell development; tissue growth; cell function; the breakdown, usage, and creation of proteins; and the production of DNA. This vitamin is essential during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and congenital disabilities of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Folate enables the proper growth of fetal tissues and cells. Folate must be supplied by the diet or through supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. Low levels of folate may occur if people do not consume enough folate, or the body does not store or absorb enough of the vitamin. Research has shown that people who suffer from severe headaches and/or migraines have significantly lower levels of vitamin B9.⁴

Vitamin B12 is essential in supporting the nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating DNA (the genetic material present in our cells). Vitamin B12 must be supplied by diet or supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. Low levels of vitamin B12 may occur if you do not consume enough vitamin B12, or the body does not store or absorb enough of the vitamin. Research has shown that people who suffer from migraines have significantly lower levels of vitamin B12.⁵

This test measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, an indicator for the level of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is involved in regulating calcium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients to promote bone strength and cellular health. Research has shown that vitamin D may suppress inflammation, and there is strong evidence that deficiencies are linked to increased risk of migraine headaches. Magnesium and vitamin D work closely in the body and research has found that correcting these imbalances have pain-relieving and preventative effects.²

This measures the amount of force your blood uses to push against the walls of your arteries when your heart pumps it throughout your body. Abnormal blood pressure (high or low) can contribute to headaches for many different reasons.

Signs and symptoms of headaches vary from person to person but can include the following:

Visual disturbances (like zig zags, flashing lights, or auras)
Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or light
Nausea
Sharp, throbbing, or dull pain
Pain that comes on gradually or suddenly
Pain that affects one or both sides of the head

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION:

Sudden/severe headache
Headache with weakness, vision loss or double vision, confusion, numbness, or difficulty speaking
Headache following a head injury

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location. Collection is not available in AZ or HI.

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest^® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

1

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

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2

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

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3

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

4

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary headache, and is it possible to have more than one type of headache?

Primary headaches are typically caused by problems with structures in your head that are sensitive to pain and are not a symptom of an underlying condition or disease. Chemicals that affect your brain, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in your head may cause these headaches and can be triggered by any number of lifestyle factors (ie, stress, food, sleep patterns, sexual activity, alcohol intake, and posture). Examples of primary headaches are migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, sex headaches, exercise headaches, cough headaches, and chronic daily headaches.

Secondary headaches are symptoms of a disease or condition that cause pain in your head. Examples of secondary headaches include dehydration, concussion, brain aneurysm, acute sinusitis, ear infection, hangover, stroke, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is common for people to experience more than one type of headache over time. The markers measured in this test are common across multiple types of headaches.

What are some ways to prevent headaches?

According to the Mayo Clinic, ways to prevent or reduce the impact/severity of headaches include⁶:

Placing an ice pack on the back of your neck
Avoiding your triggers
Getting enough sleep
Drinking enough water
Reducing stress where possible
Resting in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on

This test can help you identify more actionable information related to your triggers and symptoms that can help you and your healthcare provider manage your chronic headaches.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

World Health Organization. Migraine and other headache disorders. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
Medical News Today. Vitamin deficiency and migraine: What to know. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-vitamin-deficiency-causes-migraine
Tian S, Yu X, Wu L, Zheng H, Zhong X, Xie Y, Wu W. Vitamin B6 and folate intake are associated with lower risk of severe headache or migraine in adults: An analysis based on NHANES 1999-2004. Nutr Res. 2024 Jan;121:51-60. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.11.008. Epub 2023 Nov 15. PMID: 38042023 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38042023/)
Tian S, Wu L, Zheng H, Zhong X, Liu M, Yu X, Wu W. Association between dietary folate intake and severe headache among adults in the USA: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Nutr. 2024 Feb 14;131(3):438-446. doi: 10.1017/S000711452300137X. Epub 2023 Jun 20. PMID: 37337781; PMCID: PMC10784126. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784126/)
Pharmacy Times. Migraine, Chronic Migraine Associated with Lower Vitamin B12 Levels. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/migraine-chronic-migraine-associated-with-lower-vitamin-b12-levels
Mayo Clinic Health System. Common questions about headaches. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/common-questions-about-headaches
National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Headaches: What You Need To Know. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/headaches-what-you-need-to-know
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Headache. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/headache.html
Mayo Clinic. Chronic daily headaches. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-daily-headaches/symptoms-causes/syc-20370891
Arca KN, Halker Singh RB. Dehydration and Headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021 Jul 15;25(8):56. doi: 10.1007/s11916-021-00966-z. PMID: 34268642; PMCID: PMC8280611. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8280611/)
Medical News Today. How to recognize a dehydration headache. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317511
Medical News Today. Everything you need to know about headaches. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/73936
Cleveland Clinic. High Blood Pressure and Headaches: Is There a Link?. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/high-blood-pressure-headache
Nematgorgani S, Razeghi-Jahromi S, Jafari E, Togha M, Rafiee P, Ghorbani Z, Ahmadi ZS, Baigi V. B vitamins and their combination could reduce migraine headaches: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. Curr J Neurol. 2022 Apr 4;21(2):105-118. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10494. PMID: 38011468; PMCID: PMC9860208. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9860208/)

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Chronic Headache Test Panel