[8.44/45] Migraines and treatment

Question 1

Define migraines

Answer 1

Neurological disorder characterised by severe headaches, nausea and bodily perceptions

Question 2

List the trigger factors of migraines

Answer 2

• stress
• hunger
• dietary factors
• changes in sleep
• hormonal
• excessive physical exertion
• environmental factors

Question 3

4 phases of migraines

Answer 3

not experienced by every patient
1. prodromal (occurs hours to days prior to the headache)
2. aura (immediately before the headache)
3. pain
4. postdrome

Question 4

Prodromal phase of migraines

Answer 4

Frequency experienced: 40 - 60% of patients

Patient experiences: altered mood, irritability, depression or euphoria, fatigue, craving, muscle stiffness, increased urination or altered bowel movement and other visceral symptoms

Question 5

Aura phase of migraines

Answer 5

Freq: 20 - 30% patients

Symptoms: visual, sensory or motor symptoms (most prominently visual - flashing colours, unformed flashes or white and/or black or sometimes mluticoloured lights (photopsia) or formations of dazzling zigzag lines

Duration: 5 - 20mins; lasting no longer than 60mins ; headache occurs 60min-several hours later