Headache

Question 1

Stages of migraine

Answer 1

Prodrome

• Cravings e.g. for chocolate
• Fatigue
• Yawning
• Heightened perception
• Irritable
• Increased urination

Aura (20%)

• Nausea
• Visual changes
• Sensory changes
• Aphasia
• Cognitive symptoms

Headache

• Pulsatile, severe headache
• Neck stifness
• Cutaneous allodynia (sensitivyt of skin)
• Photo and phonophobia

Postdrome
- Fatigue

Question 2

Pathophysiology of migraine

Answer 2

Trigger –> dilation of cranial nerves –> triggers trigeminal nerve –> signals BS –> signals to cortex –> releases CGRP (vasoactive peptides) –> vasodilation and inflammation –> repeat of cycle