Headache Flashcards
What are red-flag symptoms of a headache?
Previous/current malignancy Newly developed (>55 years) Immunosuppressed Early morning onset Exacerbated by valsalva
What % of patients experience aura with migraine?
20%
Usually precedes headache.
What are common migraine triggers?
Lack of sleep Dietary factors Stress Hormonal Physical exertion
How is migraine treated?
NSAIDs/Triptans (acute)
Avoid triggers
>3 attacks/month, give prophylaxis
What drugs can be given to manage migraine prophylactically?
Amitriptyline
Beta blockers
Topiramide
What is migraine?
A common, unilateral headache, typically affecting young females.
What are tension headaches?
A bilateral episodic or chronic headaches with a pressing/tingling sensation.
What are features of migraine?
Moderate/severe pain Unilateral onset Throbbing pain Worse on movement Photophobia Nausea
How is a tension headache treated?
Relaxation (can give an antidepressant).
Reassure patient.
What are trigeminal autonomic cephalgias?
A group of disorders characterised by unilateral trigeminal distribution of pain occurring with ipsilateral autonomic features.
What are autonomic features experienced in headache?
Ptosis Nasal stuffiness Tearing Miosis Nausea and vomiting Eyelid oedema
What are the main 4 TACs?
Paroxysmal hemicrania
Cluster headache
Hemicrania continua
SUNCT
Which age group is commonly affected by paroxysmal hemicrania?
The elderly.
What is hemicrania continua?
A constant unilateral headache with accompanying autonomic features.
How is diagnosis of headache typically made?
History
