CPG - A0502 - Headache Flashcards
when should opioids be used to treat headache?
Fentanyl should only be used to treat severe headache where other measures have failed and where transport is prolonged.
Morphine may not be effective and may be associated with delayed recovery?
Can morphine be used to treat headaches?
Morphine may not be effective and may be associated with delayed recovery?
when are paracetamol and stemetil indicated?
For sever headache or for previously diagnosed migranes. IRRESPECTIVE of nausea and vomitting.
When should stemitil not be administered?
IN patients with signs of CNS depression. Stemetil is unlikely to offer clinical benefit for Intracranial haemorrhage or sub arachnoid haemorrhage
What are some signs of serious intracranial haemorrhage?
- abnormal neurological findings of atypical aura
- new onset headache on older patients >50 or those with history of cancer
- altered level of conscoisuness or collapse
- seizure activity
- fever and/or neck stiffness
WHat is a precaution of those suffering diagnosed cluster headaches?
may not benefit from analgesia. High flow o2 may be beneficial
What should you assess as differentials for headache?
- intracranial haemorrhage
- meningococcal septicaemia
What is the treatment for Headaches of any severity?
- Paracetamol 1000mg oral
OR - 500mg if old and bung liver and shit
WITH or WITHOUT
Stemetil 12.5mg IM
When should you treat as per severe headache?
if after 15 minutes of therapy the headache remains the same and the hospital is over 15 mins away.
What is the treatment for Severe headaches?
IV or IN Fentanyl
What is the aim of therapy for severe headache?
reduce pain to <7
