Headache Disorders Flashcards
What is a primary headache disorder?
Isn’t caused by an underlying condition
What are some symptoms of migraine?
Throbbing pain, nausea, aggravated by movement, alidenea
How long do migraines last without medication?
4-72 hours
What is the pre-dromal phase of a migraine?
Symptoms occurring before the migraine
What is the post-dromal phase of a migraine?
Symptoms occurring after the migraine
What is aura in migraine?
Focal neurological sign of a migraine
Visual issues and depressed wave of cortical activity
Sensory symptoms
Language symptoms
What differentiates aura from TAI?
Slow spread
What are secondary headache disorders?
Caused by an underlying medical condition
What are some red flags of secondary headaches?
Neurological deficits, sudden onset, no history of headaches
What are red flag neurological deficits?
Weakness, speech/swallowing problems etc…
Why is a sudden onset headache a red flag?
Suggests a vascular cause
Why is a thunderclap headache a red flag?
Suggests a subarachnoid haemorrhage
What is papilloedema and why is it a red flag?
Swelling/raised intracranial pressure suggests a mass/ a tumor
What are positional red flags of secondary headaches?
Worse lying flat suggests raised pressure
Worse standing up suggests low pressure
What are red flag symptoms/signs in secondary headaches?
Malignancy/infection, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, new onset neck pain etc…
