headaches

Question 1

what are tension headaches?

Answer 1

• The most common type of headache
• Pain is bilateral (felt on both sides of the head) and is normally a dull ache with a sensation
often described as a band around the head
• Not associated with neck stiffness

Question 2

what are cluster headaches?

Answer 2

• Uncommon
• Appear suddenly
• As the name suggests, happen in clusters over 2-3 weeks
• Severe pain in one side of head, usually around eye of temple

Question 3

what are sinus headaches?

Answer 3

• Caused by sinusitis, which is where increased mucus production leads to greater pressure in the sinus, causing a headache
• Pain is usually unilateral and around the eye area, worsening by bending forwards

Question 4

what is a medicated induced headache?

Answer 4

• Can be caused by paracetamol, co-codamol, sumatriptan
• Presents as a recurring, intractable headache
• Usually present on more than 15 days in a month
• Worst on waking
• Increases after physical exertion
• Becomes worse after discontinuing the causative medication
• Any suspected medication-overuse headache should be referred to their GP

Question 5

what are the red flags for headaches?

Answer 5

• Any headache that does not respond to OTC analgesics
• Dull, deep seated pain that is severe and aggravated by lying down, or pain that is worse
in the morning and improves during the day
• Headaches of increasing frequency and severity
• Severe headache lasting more than 4 hours
• Headache in children under the age of 12 years
• Neck stiffness
• Vomiting
• Altered level of consciousness
• Focal neurological symptoms
• Blackouts
• Severe headache associated with fever or a rash
• Headache after recent injury or trauma
• Headaches of sudden onset
• Headaches different or more severe than any previous headache

Question 6

what are non drug treatments for headaches?

Answer 6

● Patients should be encouraged to keep a small amount of OTC analgesics at home in their medicine’s cabinet, so they are able to manage headaches at home without the need for a GP appointment

Question 7

what are some of the drug treatment options for headahces?

Answer 7

simple analgesics

Question 8

what is more effective for tension headaches?

Answer 8

NSAIDs