headache Flashcards

1
Q

what are approach to headaches

A

mnemonic TOSS IT:

Timing
Other symptoms: nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, motion sensitivity, tearing, ptosis
Site
Severity
Influences: aggravating and relieving factors
Type: character

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2
Q

+ R/O red flags & secondary causes of headache SNOOP4

A

S Systemic (fever, weight loss)
Secondary risk factors (HIV> toxoplasmosis, Ca)

N Neurological signs and symptoms (confusion)

O Onset: sudden SAH presents as sudden severe headache, find bleed before aneurysm rupture (sentinel bleed)
Older age: giant cell arteritis (>50%). GS is biopsy for diagnosis
P Previous headache history: 1st time? Change in pattern?
Progression
Papilledema
Postural aggravation and aggravation by Valsalva Pregnancy (cerebrovenous thrombosis)

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3
Q

what is the most common primary headache Mild-moderate, bilateral, band-like tightening, non-throbbing

A

tension type headache

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4
Q

triggers of tension type headache

A

stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration, hunger

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5
Q

tx of tension type headache

A

o NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin)
o Acetaminophen (a bit less effective but better in pregnancy)
o If combined with caffeine –> more effective
o Avoid medication overuse (limit to 9 days/month on average)

• Prophylactic treatment:
o If headaches are frequent, long-lasting, or associated with significant disability
o Amitriptyline (TCA)

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6
Q

how long can migraine last

A

May last 4-72 hours

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7
Q

auras in migraine percentage

A

80%- no aura, 20%- aura

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8
Q

what are auras in migraine

A

1)Visual aura (most common):
-Positive: zigzag or wavy lines (fortification spectra) fragmented image
-Negative (These remove normal sensory perception or motor abilities ): central scotoma, hemianopia, tunnel vision
2) Sensory aura: tingling, dysphasia
3) Motor symptoms is never aura, rather it is a hemiplegic migraine

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9
Q

symptoms of migraine

A

Unilateral, throbbing, moderate to severe headache (may be bilateral)

• Associated with nausea ± vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia

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10
Q

what exacerbates or relieves the symptoms of migraines

A

• Exacerbated by movement (patients prefer to lie still in a dark, quiet room)
• Relieved by sleep, usually resolves spontaneously

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11
Q

how are symptoms in children with migraine presented

A

Migraine in children presents as abdominal pain, motion sickness, ataxia,frequent bumping into things.

Usually girls with a positive family history

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12
Q

complications of migraine

A

prolonged symptoms (>72 hours),
infarction (stroke),
seizures

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13
Q

what indicates headache chronification

A

Headache “chronification” (≥15 days/month for 3 consecutive months) may be associated with medication overuse, caffeine overuse, poor sleep/OSA, stress, obesity, repeated head injury, comorbidity.

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14
Q

phases of migraine

A
  1. Prodrome (Warning Phase – Hours to Days Before)mins to 48 hrs b4 onset of headache
    • Subtle signs that a migraine is coming
    • Symptoms: Fatigue, mood changes (irritability, depression, or euphoria), food cravings, frequent yawning, neck stiffness
  2. Aura (Visual or Sensory Disturbances – 5 to 60 Minutes Before or During the Attack)
    • Not everyone gets this phase (only about 25% of migraine sufferers)
    • Symptoms: Flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, tingling in hands/face, trouble speaking
  3. Attack (Headache Phase – Lasts 4 to 72 Hours)
    • Symptoms: Throbbing or pulsating headache (usually one-sided), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
    • Movement often makes it worse
  4. Postdrome (Recovery Phase – Hours to a Day After)
    • “Migraine hangover”
    • Symptoms: Fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, mild headache, body aches
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15
Q

tx of acute migraine

A
  1. Mild to Moderate Migraine
    • NSAIDs (first-line): Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or diclofenac
    • Acetaminophen (paracetamol): If NSAIDs are contraindicated
    • Caffeine-containing medications: Can enhance pain relief (e.g., Excedrin)
  2. Moderate to Severe Migraine
    • Triptans (first-line for severe attacks):
    • Sumatriptan (oral, nasal, or subcutaneous)
    • Rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan, etc.
    • Contraindications: Heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled hypertension
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16
Q

migraine prevetive treatment

A

• 1st choice (level A evidence)
o Propranolol but not for diabetic or asthmatics
o Valproic acid: best for males (SE in women: PCOS, weight gain, teratogenic)
o Topiramate: best choice for obese women (à weight loss). SE: kidney stones. Contraindicated in nephropathy (1% risk)

• Group 2/ level C evidence
o Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): very safe. 1000mcg
o Magnesium

• Botox is used as preventive treatment in some cases (31 injections over the scalp & neck every 3 months)

17
Q

what is Strictly unilateral severe pain following the distribution of the trigeminal nerve

A

TRIGEMINAL AUTONOMIC CEPHALGIA (TAC)

18
Q

what does TAC cause symptoms of

A

Prominent ipsilateral autonomic features:
o Conjunctival injection and tearing
o Nasal congestion & rhinorrhea
o Eyelid edema
o Forehead & facial sweating
o Horner’s: ptosis, miosis (constriction), anhidrosis

19
Q

TAC includes three types

A

3 types differentiated by duration & response to treatment:
o SUNCT (lasts for 5-40 secs)
o Paroxysmal hemicranias (lasts for 15-30 mins)
o Cluster headache (lasts for 15-180 mins)

20
Q

what lasts for 5-40secs mote common in men a feeling of stabbing electric pain May manifest as single stabs OR group stabs OR saw tooth (continuous pain + superimposed stabs)

A

SUNCT: short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection & tearing

21
Q

treatment of SUNCT

A

IV lidocaine (acute), does not respond to O2 & indomethacin like the other types of TACs

22
Q

what type of headache lasts for 15-30min more in females usually in adulthood Icepack-like pain. Recurrent. Associated with tearing & rhinorrhea

A

paroxysmal hemicrania

23
Q

what headache lasts from 15-180min more in males especially SMOKERS

A

cluster headache

24
Q

what are symptoms of cluster headache

A

Attacks of excruciatingly severe (suicide headache) unilateral orbital, supraorbital, or temporal pain + autonomic phenomena & eye redness

25
Q

cluster headache triggers

A

o Triggered by alcohol
o Patients prefer moving during attacks

26
Q

trigeminal neuralgia

A

Severe paroxysms of unilateral knife/electric shock like pain, abrupt in onset & termination, in one or more sensory divisions of the trigeminal nerve

27
Q

what are trigeminal neuralgia triggered by

A

Triggered by stimulation of nerve root/trigger zones (washing, eating, shaving)