11: Headache Flashcards
common triggers for HAs
hormones, diet, stress, environmental change, sensory stimuli (perfume, cigs)
something important to add to a neuro exam for headaches
neck ROM
worrisome signs of HA that may indicate secondary/pathologic headache
- worse HA ever
- onset of HAs after age 50
- atypical HA for pt
- with fever, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, ataxia
- abrupt onset
- subacute with progressive worsening
- with parasthesias, sensory loss, or paralysis
MC fungal meningitis
cryptococcus (esp in immune compromised)
MC cause of meningitis
strep pneumo
meningitis signs in a newborn
high fever, constant crying, sleepiness, irritability, inactivity, poor feeding, bulge in top fontanelle, stiff body and neck
what med can help prevent complications of Abx when given during meningitis?
dexamethasone
HSV1 encephalitis treatmnt
acyclovir
what can up to 1/4 of pts treated for HSV1 encephalitis develop?
recurrent neuropsych sx, sometimes secondary autoimmune encephalitis
general rule of imaging pts with a hx of HA
every HA pt should have a one-time, thorough neuroimaging study done
chronic migraine
HA consistent with migraine, 15+ days/month, HA lasting 4+ hrs, for a period of 3+ months
most widely discussed theory for the cause of migraines
neurogenic inflammation
foods that can trigger headaches
alcohol, chocolate, cheese, MSG, aspartame, caffeine, nuts, nitrates, citrus fruit
what is a stress let down period
the period of time after a stressful event, can trigger HAs
only FDA approved treatment for chronic migraine
Botox injections (155 units into 31 diffrent sites, every 3 months)
