Headaches Flashcards
What is a headache?
Pain in the head
Which headache is unrelated to underlying pathology, and involves hyperexcitability within pain sensitive nerves of the cranium?
Primary Headache
Which type of headache is a result of an underlying pathology?
Secondary Headache
Which type of primary headache is an episodic/chronic/dull, aching headache that may be caused by muscle tension and trigger points?
Tension
Which headache is the most common 1st degree headache?
Tension
Which type of primary headache is a neurological condition causing intense, debilitating headaches?
Migraine
Which type of secondary headache is a buildup of pressure in the sinuses causing headache type pain, often due to allergies or sinusitis?
Sinus
Which headache is often bilateral?
Tension
Which headache is unilateral in 60% of sufferers?
Migraine
Which headache affects overlying sinuses?
Sinus
Which migraine presents with an aura, blurred vision, flashing light and hallucinations?
Migraine
Which headache would you avoid vigorous techniques or deep pressure when treating hyperirritable trigger points to avoid “kickback”?
Tension
Which headache can you NOT apply heat on head or neck as it causes pain due to vasodilation?
Migraine
Which headache should you avoid deep techniques, avoid music/bright lights if the client is sensitive to them?
Migraine
Which headache should you take care not to overtreat?
Migraine
Which headache can aggravate symptoms if lying flat supine & prone?
Sinus
What are signs & symptoms of Tension Headache?
- Diffuse, constant, dull or viselike
- Bilateral
- Muscle tenderness, stiffness, HT & TrP
What are signs & symptoms of Migraine Headache?
- Moderate to severe pulsating pain; often begins as a dull ache or feeling of pressure
- Unilateral in 60% of sufferers
- Rarely occurs more than once per week
- Muscle soreness
- Aura, blurred vision, flashing lights, auditory, hallucinations
- Sensitivity to light and sound
What are signs & symptoms of Sinus headache?
- Pain, pressure and fullness in and overlying the affected sinus(es)
- Possible achiness in upper teeth
- Worsened by lying down or bending forward
What are contraindications & precautions?
- CNS symptoms like fever, confusion, numbness
- “Worst headache” ever experience
- New or different headache, especially at 50+ age
What are the CI’s & precautions for tension headache?
- Avoid deep pressure, vigorous techniques; be cautious of neck vessels and nerves
- Avoid sustain techs
- Stretching hypotonic muscles
What are the CI’s & precautions for migraine headache?
- Avoid heat on head/neck
- No deep techniques; consider client’s massage
- Avoid overtreating
- Avoid music, bright lights
Assessments
- Vitals
- Locate headache
- Postural deviation
- ROM
What are goals?
- Reduce pain, spasm
- Normalize tissue health
- Decrease HA frequency & intensity
What are CI’s & precautions for sinus?
- Avoid massage with fever, active dental infection
- Limit pressure at facial pain sight
- Not lying flat prone or supine
If local treatment is not tolerated where it is beneficial to massage?
Hands & feet
