Headache and Intracranial Bleeds Flashcards
List red flag symptoms/signs related to headache
New onset in over 55 yr old
Known/previous cancer
Immunosuppressed
Early morning onset
Exacerbated by valsalva
What is a migraine?
Severe throbbing pain on one side of the head
Migraine affects males more than females. True/False?
False
Females more than males
What is the difference between migraine with and without aura? Which is more common?
Migraine with aura: warning signs before migraine begins, e.g. flashing lights
Migraine without aura is more common
What is the criteria for diagnosing migraine without aura?
At least 5 attacks in 72 hours
Moderate/severe unilateral throbbing pain, worse on movement
Autonomic features or photophobia/phonophobia
How long do auras typically last in migraine?
20-60 mins
List some visual auras
Central scomata
Central fortification
Hemianopia
List triggers of migraine
Sleep
Diet
Stress
Physical exertion
Hormones
List non-pharmacological treatment for migraine
Trigger diary
Education
Stress management
List pharmacological management of migraine
NSAID + anti-emetic if vomiting
Triptans (rizatriptan)
When should prophylaxis be considered for migraine?
More than 3 attacks in a month or very severe
List prophylactic therapy for migraine
Propranolol
Topiramate
Amitryptilline
What type of drug is topiramate and what are its adverse effects?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Weight loss, paraesthesia, impaired concentration, teratogenic
What are trigeminal autonomic cephalgias?
Headache disorders characterised by unilateral pain in a trigeminal distribution with ipsilateral cranial autonomic features
List some ipsilateral cranial autonomic features
Ptosis
Miosis
Nasal stuffiness
Nausea, vomiting
Tearing
Eyelid oedema
List the 4 main types of trigeminal cephalgias
Cluster headache
Paroxysmal hemicranias continua
Hemicrania continua
SUNCT
Who gets cluster headaches more - men or women?
Men
Typically 30-40 yr olds
When do cluster headaches typically come on?
Around sleep time
Describe a cluster headache
Severe unilateral headache lasting 20mins-3hrs
1 to 8 episodes a day