Headaches

Question 1

When do you refer?

Answer 1

Head injury - slurred speech, confusion

Fever, rash, stiff neck

4 or more episodes of migraine per month

Tension headache for 2 weeks

Overuse of painkillers

Failed OTC treatment

Question 2

Red Flags:

Answer 2

Migraines in Preg/Brf

Undiagnosed migraine

Headache following head injury

Sudden agonising headaches

Migraines affecting daily life

Changed pattern of headaches

Vision affected, slurred speech, confusion, rash, stiff neck or vomiting

Question 3

Follow-Up Treatment:

Answer 3

Avoid migraine triggers

Maintain healthy lifestyle (exercise, sleep, hydrate, limit alcahol & caffeine intake)

Relaxation techniques such as yoga

See doctor if no improvement

Question 4

Treatment for Migraines:

Answer 4

Not to be used by Preg/Brf

Migraleve Complete (10+; nausea and pain relief)

Imigran Recovery (18-65; prevents migraine)

Buccastem Buccal Tablets (anti-sickness)

Question 5

Treatment for Headaches:

Answer 5

Ibuprofen (Not in Preg/Brf)

Paracetamol

Question 6

Buccastem M:

Answer 6

Buccal Tablet

Not used in Preg/Brf

For over 18s only

1 or 2 tablets twice a day for max of 2 days

Don’t take any other paracetamol-containing products

Red flags: If symptoms persist after 3 days

Question 7

Migraleve Complete:

Answer 7

Not used in Preg/Brf

Over 16s only

2 pink tablets at first sign of attack. If migraine is still persistant then take 2 yellow tablets after every 4 hours.

Max dose: 2 pink + 6 yellow tablets per day

Don’t take any other paracetamol-containing products

Red Flags: If migraine persists after 3 days treatment

Question 8

Imigran Recovery:

Answer 8

Not used in Preg/Brf

Ages 18-65 only

Take one tablet on attack. Take 2nd tablet after 2 hours if symptoms persist

Max dose: Don’t take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. Don’t take more than 2 tablets for one attack

Don’t take any other paracetamol-containing products

Red flag: If migraine persists after 2 days

Question 9

Symptoms of Tension Headaches:

Answer 9

“Tight band”

Dull aching pain in the forehead, temples, or back of the neck.

Both sides

Question 10

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches:

Answer 10

Pain behind eye

No nausea and vomiting

One side only

Question 11

Symptoms of Migraines:

Answer 11

Pulsing

Nausea & vomiting

Light sensitivity

Can’t cope with noise & smells