Headaches Flashcards
1
Q
What are the red flag symptoms for headaches?
A
- Fever, neck stiffness or photophobia
- New neuro symptoms
- Visual disturbance (GCA/Glaucoma/Tumour)
- Sudden onset (SAH)
- Worse on coughing/straining (raised ICP)
- Postural/worse on standing, lying or bending over (raised ICP)
- Vomiting (raised ICP)
- History of cancer
- Pregnancy
2
Q
What are tension headaches?
A
- Common headache which causes mild ache/pressure in a band like pattern around the head
- Develops gradually with no visual changes
3
Q
What are triggers for tension headaches?
A
- Stress
- Depression
- Alcohol
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
4
Q
How are tension headaches managed?
A
- Reasurance
- Simple analgesia
- Amitriptyline can be used for chronic/frequent tension headache
5
Q
What are cluster headaches?
A
- Severe/unbearable unilateral headaches, usually around the eye
- More common in men and smokers
6
Q
How do cluster headaches present?
A
- Severe pain
- Red, swollen, watery eye
- Miosis/Ptosis
- Nasal discharge
- Facial sweating
7
Q
How are cluster headaches managed?
A
Acute: Triptans/High flow oxygen
Prophylaxis: Verapamil
8
Q
What is sinusitis?
A
- Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses in the face which cause pain and pressure following URTI
- Can be treated with steroid nasal spray/Abx
9
Q
What is a hormonal headache?
A
- Often related to low oestrogen
- Can occur 2 days before and in the first 3 days of period/perimenopausal period/early pregnancy
- Treated with Triptans/NSAIDs
