headaches Flashcards
what is a primary headache?
no serious underlying cause, migraine or tension headache.
what is a secondary headache?
caused by underlying injury or disease or medication. always needs to be referred.
referral criteria
very sudden and severe onset. increasing severity which could indicate infection. lasts longer than two weeks,drowsiness, confusion,loss of consciousness,rash and or fever,nausea and or vomiting without migraine symptoms. recent trauma to the head,first headache, 15+ days a month, under 12, stiff neck, over 50, non responding to painkillers and other medication use.
what is a tension headache?
most common. triggered by stress and chemical imbalance. fall of serotonin causing blood vessels to widen and cause pain.can last from 30 minutes to 7 days.
trigger factors of a tension headache
stress, poor posture, anxiety or depression, working or holding awkward positions.
symptoms of a tension headache?
tightness or pressure around the head which tends to gradually worsen but remains mild to moderate.
treatment for a tension headache
painkillers, levomenthol ( headache sticks)
what is a migraine?
involves recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headaches which can last from a few hours up to three days. can involve nausea and vomiting and visual disturbances.
what are the five stages of a migraine?
prodome,aura,headache,resolution and recovery.
what is the prodome stage of a migraine?
occurs in 50%-80% of patients. usually lasts for three hours but can last up to 24 hours. it can cause cravings,mood swings and poor concentration.
what is the aura stage of a migraine?
can last up to an hour. symptoms include blindness, slurred speech,pins and needles,flashing lights and zig zags. occurs in less than 25% of sufferers.
what is the headache stage of a migraine?
can last from 4 to 72 hours. includes nausea and vomiting in 70% of sufferers. physical movement tends to worsen pain.
what is the resolution stage of a migraine?
as headache subsides, patients can feel lethargic and drained so sleep is best. medication may not work as drug absorption is hindered.
what is the recovery stage of a migraine?
a washed out feeling or elation.
referral criteria for a migraine
never experienced a migraine or where otc medicine has failed to resolve.
dietary triggers for a migraine
6 hours within ingestion. red wine,mature cheese,chocolate, citrus fuits, caffeine and preservatives such as monosodium glucomate (msg)
hormonal triggers for a migraine
fluctuation in levels of oestrogen. menstruation, hrt,oral contraceptives, menopause and stress at work or home
environmental triggers for a migraine
extreme hot or cold, bright flashing lights, poor air quality, perfumes and a computer screen.
treatment for a migraine
exercise regularly, regular balanced meals, regular sleep pattern, relaxation techniques and painkillers. anti-emetics ( prochloperazine 18+), ( buclizane 10+),sumatriptan (18-65)
symptoms of a medication overuse headache
daily occurence, improves with painkillers but returns when they wear off, persists throughout the day, worsens with physical or mental exertion, depression, nausea, anxiety,restlessness, irritability.
what is a cluster headache?
severe, lasting for 15 minutes. can occur up to 8 times a day. pain is always round the same eye. male to female ratio is 6:1. can cause eyelid drooping, nasal congestion and runny eyes. always refer.
what is sinusitis?
blocked sinuses, causing pain and infection. pain is felt under the eyes and in the head especially when bending down, usually occurs after the flu.
symptoms of sinusitis
pain/ pressure under eyes, pain/ pressure across cheeks and nose, sore eyes and tenderness and nasal congestion.
treatment options for sinusitis
painkillers with a decongestant ( pseudoephedrine). refer to pharmacist if pain is severe, prolonged or unwell.
