Approach to headache

Question 1

What is a primary headache disorder?

Answer 1

Dysregulation of pain-modulation pathways

Question 2

What are 3 causes of secondary headache disorders?

Answer 2

1) Traction, tension, displacement of pain-sensitive structures

2) Distension, dilatation of intracranial arteries

3) Inflammation of pain-sensitives structures

4) Abnormal intracranial pressure (ICP)

5) Stimulation from diseases of the orbit/nose/sinuses (referred)

Question 3

What are 3 pain sensitive structures of the cranium?

Answer 3

1) Meninges
2) Large arteries
3) Large veins

Question 4

Young patients presenting with headaches are more likely to be ______________ than elderly onset.

Answer 4

Primary headaches (eg. migraine)

Question 5

Migraines are more commonly seen in (M/F)

Cluster headaches are more commonly seen in (M/F)

Answer 5

Migraines: female

Cluster headache: male