Headache Flashcards
Secondary headaches are a sign of?
Organic disease
What are the 10 worrisome signs which may indicate headache of pathologic origin (secondary HA)?
- “Worst HA”
- Onset of HA after age 50
- Atypical HA for patient
- HA w/ fever
- Abrupt onset (max. intensity in sec. to min.)
- Subacute HA w/ progressive worsening over time
- Drowsiness, confusion, memory impairment
- Weakness, ataxia, loss of coordination
- Paresthesias/Sensory loss/ Paralysis
- Abnormal medical or neurological exam
Any patient presenting with a headache who has a “worrisome history” or abnormal examination needs what?
- Urgent imaging study
- Perhaps even a L.P. and possibly arteriogram
Differentiate a common migraine from a classic migraine.
- Common migrarine = without aura
- Classic migraine = with aura
What is the intensity, age of peak prevalence, and gender ratio for common migraines?
- Intensity: moderate to severe
- Prevalence peaks between 35-40 years
- Gender ratio: F:M = 3:1
What is the location, patient description of pain, and patient behavior with a common migraine?
- Location: unilateral or bilateral
- Description: throbbing/sharp/pressure
- Behavior: retreat to dark, quiet room
What are the 4 most common associated symptoms with a common migraine?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia
- Phonophobia
How long does the aura associated with Classic Migraines usually last?
Usually 15-30 mins, but sometimes longer
What are the common visual symptoms associated with Classic Migraines?
- Scintillations: flashes of light
- Scotoma: an interruption or break in the visual field (blind spots)
*Often hemianopic
The most widely discussed theory about the cause of migraines says that they are caused by?
Neurogenic inflammation
To be defined as a chronic migraine which criteria must be met?
Headache for 15 or more days/month, lasting 4 hours or longer, for a period of at least 3 months
What is the intensity and disability caused by Tension-Type HA’s?
- Intensity: Mild to Moderate
- Disability: May inhibit, but does NOT prohibit daily activities
What is the common location, patient description of pain, and is there an associated aura/prodrome with a Tension-Type HA?
- Location: bifrontal, bioccipital
- Description: dull, aching, squeezing, pressure
- No prodrome or aura
Which type of headache has an association with sleep apnea as a comorbidity?
Cluster HA
*This will be on the exam!
What is the intensity and gender ratio for Cluster HA?
- Intensity: severe, excruciating
- Gender ratio: F:M = 1:6
In regards to monthly frequency what constitutes an episodic type vs. chronic type of Cluster HA?
- Episodic type: 1 or more attacks/day for 6-8 weeks
- Chronic type: several attacks per week without remission
What is the most common location/distribution of Cluster HA’s?
- 100% unilateral
- Generally orbitotemporal
Frenetic, pacing, and rocking behaviors are most often associated with what type of headache?
Cluster HA
What are some of the associated symptoms of Cluster HA’s?
- Ipsilateral ptosis
- Miosis
- Conjunctival injection
- Lacrimation
- Stuffed or runny nose
What is the normal duration for a Cluster HA?
- 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Classic is 45 min
What are the 5 primary types of HA?
- Classic migraine
- Common migraine
- Chronic migraine
- Tension type HA
- Cluster HA
What is the only FDA approved treatment for chronic migraines?
BOTOX injections
What are some underlying conditions which are contraindications for the use of Triptans in the acute treatment of migraines?
- Ischemic heart disease
- Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Uncontrolled HTN
- Hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
Which agent/therapy can be used to break the cycle of a prolonged migraine or several weeks of frequent migraines?
Also, a good treatment for people who get in frequent cluster HA’s?
A prednisone taper