Headache Flashcards
What is the most common type of headache?
Tension type
What are 4 primary causes of headaches?
- Tension type
- Migraine
- Medication overuse
- Cluster
Describe the pain with Tension type headaches
Bilateral ache that radiates from occipital/cervical region to forehead
Bilateral ache that radiates from occipital/cervical region to the forehead
Tension type headache
What commonly can cause Tension type headaches? (3)
Myofascial pain referral
Cervical facet referral
TMJ dysfunction
Myofascial pain referral that is causing a tension type headache is from a?
Trigger point
Are trigger points the same as tender points?
NO
- trigger points = knots in the muscle
List 4 trigger point characteristics that differentiate it from a tender point
- Characteristic pain pattern
- Elicits a radiating pain pattern
- Taut band of tissue
- Elicits twitch response with palpation
List 4 trigger point characteristics that differentiate it from a tender point
- Characteristic pain pattern
- Elicits a radiating pain pattern
- Taut band of tissue
- Elicits twitch response with palpation
What is a behavioral treatment option for Tension type headaches and why?
Smoking cessation!
- nicotine use correlates to number of headache days
What is a behavioral treatment option for tension type headaches and why?
Smoking cessation!
- Nicotine use correlates with number of headache days
Describe the pain with Migraines
Unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, light/sound sensitivity with possible aura
Unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, photo/phonophobia and possible aura
Migraine
What is the most predictive symptom of a migraine?
Nausea
What are the phases of a migraine? (4)
Prodrome
Aura
Migraine
Postdrome
What can cause migraines?
TRIGGERS
List some possible triggers for migraines
- Stress/hormones
- Sleep and diet
- Caffeine, alcohol, weather, etc.
What is the best behavioral treatment option for migraines?
Avoid triggers
What are some abortive medications for migraines?
Triptans
Ergots
What are some prophylaxis medications for migraines?
Botox
propranolol, amitriptyline, topiramate
Describe the pain with medication overuse headaches
Headache around the same time every day
– relieved by taking the medication
Headache around the same time every day
Medication overuse headache
What relieves the medication overuse headache?
Taking the medication
What causes medication overuse headaches?
Chronic pain med use which causes chemical dependence
What is the treatment for a medication overuse headache?
STOP medication, education and break the cycle
Describe the pain with cluster headaches
Stabbing pain around the eye and autonomic symptoms
Stabbing pain around the eye and autonomic symptoms
Cluster headaches
What is a treatment option for cluster headaches?
Oxygen
Tension type headaches are commonly due to what 3 things?
Myofascial pain referral
Cervical facet referral
TMJ dysfunction
