6. Migraine / tension headache Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
Common
Roughly 1 in 10
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
F>M
Usually begin in early adulthood
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Temporary changes in the brain - many triggers: Starting your period Stress Tiredness Certain food/drink Dehydration OCP
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Irregular sleep pattern
Stress
Smoking, alcohol
Depression, anxiety
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Classically visual / other aura lasting 15-30 mins followed within 1 hour by severe unilateral headache
Prodrome can precede headache by hours/days (mood / sleep change, cravings)
N+V
Dysphasia
Photophobia
Sweating
Poor concentration
Feeling very hot / cold
Aura - visual disturbance, paraesthesia, dysarthria, dysphasia
6
Q
What signs may the patient show on examination?
A
Headache lasting 4-72 hours
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Stroke / TIA Focal seizures High BP Intracranial pathology Trigeminal neuralgia
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
CT head (acute)
Cranial / peripheral nerves examination
Migraine diary
