headache Flashcards
What percentage of adults experience tension headaches at some point in their lives?
90%
Which type of headache is characterized by vascular dilatation?
The migrainous type of headache is characterized by vascular dilatation
What are the two main categories of headaches according to the International Headache Society (IHS)?
Primary and secondary headaches
Migraine and cluster headaches are types of primary headaches.
How long can cluster headaches last during an attack?
Each cluster headache attack typically lasts between 15 minutes and 3 hours. These attacks occur in clusters,
Which type of primary headache is most common among adults?
Tension headache
**
-Migraine (second most common type)
-Cluster headache (least common type)
-Chronic headache (a type of tension headache)
-Migrainous type.
- Non-migrainous type: as in systemic
infections,
hypertension,
hypoglycemia,
hypoxic states, vasodilators,
temporal arteritis,
caffeine
withdrawal & alcohol hangover.
What is a common symptom associated with migraines?
Nausea
*symptoms of migraines *
vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and blurred vision.
What triggers migraines more frequently in women?
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
What causes secondary headaches?
Stress headaches are primary, not secondary. Secondary headaches stem from underlying physical issues, like structural problems. The terms are easily confused.
Secondary headaches stem from underlying structural issues in the head or neck. These range from relatively minor problems like sinus infections to serious conditions such as brain bleeds or meningitis.
Traumatic headaches and medication overuse headaches also fall under this category.
What is the average age range for individuals who suffer from cluster headaches?
28-30 years
Explain the three stages of a classic migraine.
The three stages of a classic migraine are:
Prodrome: Early symptoms like mood changes or food cravings
Aura: Visual or sensory disturbances before the headache
Headache: Intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
What distinguishes classic migraines from common migraines?
Classic migraines are preceded by an aura
What factors can precipitate a migraine attack?
Factors that can precipitate a migraine attack include:
Mental and physical exhaustion
Hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation)
Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, cheese, nuts)
Alcohol and excessive smoking
Psychological stress
Urban living conditions
Perfectionism tendencies
What role does stress play in the development of tension headaches?
Stress plays a key role in developing tension headaches by causing muscle contraction in the head and neck, leading to pain. It can trigger the release of pain-inducing chemicals,
How do cluster headaches differ in terms of frequency and duration compared to other types of headaches?
Cluster headaches differ from other headaches in that they are:
Brief (15 minutes to 3 hours)
Occur regularly (1-8 times daily)
Clustered in periods lasting weeks to months
Followed by long headache-free intervals
Most severe, often waking patients at night, with no nausea or vomiting.
How can hormonal changes affect the occurrence of migraines in women?
Hormonal changes can trigger migraines in women due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. Common times include:
Menstrual cycle (before or during periods)
Use of oral contraceptives
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause
These changes can lead to increased headache frequency and severity.
What is a characteristic feature of muscle contraction headaches?
Muscle contraction headaches are dull aches, not sudden, short bursts.
What is the typical demographic for cluster headache sufferers?
Young adult men
How can substance abuse lead to rebound headaches?
Substance abuse can lead to rebound headaches by causing overuse of headache medications.
How does the pain experienced in cluster headaches typically present itself?
Cluster headache pain is:
One-sided
Severe, often sharp or burning
Located around one eye
Accompanied by symptoms like tearing, nasal congestion, and facial flushing
Lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours, occurring multiple times a day during cluster periods.
What lifestyle factors may contribute to the onset of migraines?
Lifestyle factors contributing to migraines include:
Psychological stress
Mental and physical exhaustion
Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycle)
Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, cheese, red wine)
Excessive smoking or alcohol consumption
Perfectionism and urban living
What are some common treatments or management strategies for different types of headaches?
Common treatments for headaches include:
Medications: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, triptans for migraines
Lifestyle changes: Regular sleep, hydration, stress management
Physical therapy: For tension headaches
Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, relaxation techniques
Preventive treatments: Daily medications for chronic headaches
What are the potential underlying conditions that can lead to secondary headaches?
Potential underlying conditions for secondary headaches include:
Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
Structural issues (e.g., brain tumors, hematomas)
Dental pain (infected teeth)
Sinus infections
Traumatic injuries (e.g., concussions)
Substance abuse and medication overuse (rebound headaches)
