Common Neurologic Manifestations: Primary and Secondary Headaches Flashcards
One of the most common of all human physical complaints
Headache (Cephalgia)
Symptom rather than a disease entity
Headache (Cephalgia)
It may indicate organic disease (neurologic or other disease), a stress response, vasodilation (migraine), skeletal muscle tension (tension headache), or a combination of factors
No organic cause can be identified
Headache (Cephalgia)
Includes migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches
Primary Headache
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
A symptom complex characterized by periodic and recurrent attacks of severe headache
Migraine
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Caused by primarily a vascular disturbance that occurs more commonly in women and has a strong familial tendency
Migraine
Migraine with aura: 4 phases
- Prodrome
- Aura
- Headache
- Recovery (headache termination and postdrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Experienced by more than 80% of adult migraine sufferers
Pre-Monitory (Prodrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Symptoms include depression, irritability, feeling cold, food cravings, anorexia, change in activity level, increased urination, diarrhea, or constipation.
Pre-Monitory (Prodrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Occur hours to days before a migraine headache
Pre-Monitory (Prodrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Characterized by focal neurologic symptoms, visual disturbances (i.e., light flashes and bright spots) are common and may be hemianopic (affecting only half of the visual field)
Aura Phase
4 Phases of Migraine
Other symptoms that may follow include numbness and tingling of the lips, face, or hands; mild confusion; slight weakness of an extremity; drowsiness; and dizziness.
Aura Phase
4 Phases of Migraine
Usually lasts less than an hour and may provide enough time for the pt to take the prescribed medication to avert a full-blown attack
Aura Phase
4 Phases of Migraine
As vasodilation and a decline in serotonin levels occur, a throbbing headache intensifies over several hours
Headache phase
4 Phases of Migraine
This headache is severe and incapacitating and is often associated with photophobia, N/V
Headache phase
4 Phases of Migraine
Its duration varies, ranging from 4-72hrs
Headache phase
4 Phases of Migraine
Pain gradually subsides
Recovery phase (Termination and Postdrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Muscle contraction in the neck and scalp is common, with associated muscle ache and localized tenderness, exhaustion, and mood change
Recovery phase (Termination and Postdrome)
4 Phases of Migraine
Any physical exertion exacerbates the headache pain
During this post headache phase, patients may sleep for extended periods
Recovery phase (Termination and Postdrome)
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Characterized by a steady, constant feeling of pressure that usually begins in the forehead, temple, or back of the neck
Tension Headache
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Often bandlike or may be described as a “weight on top of my head”
Tension Headache
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Tend to be more chronic than severe and are probably the most common type of headache
Tension Headache
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Severe form of vascular headache
Cluster Headache
Types of Headache (Primary Headache)
Unilateral and come in clusters of one to eight daily, with excruciating pain localized to the eye and orbit and radiating to the facial and temporal regions
Cluster Headache
