Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Phase 3a - Neurology > Headaches > Flashcards

Headaches Flashcards

Migraine Tension headaches Cluster headaches Trigeminal neuralgia

1
Q

What is a migraine?

A

A migraine is a recurrent headache disorder characterized by moderate to severe unilateral headaches often associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

True/False: Migraines are more common in males than females.

A

False. Migraines are more common in females.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Migraines often present with ______ headaches that may be pulsatile in nature.

A

Unilateral.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the pathophysiology of migraines?

A

Migraines are thought to involve cortical spreading depression, vascular dysfunction, and abnormal sensory processing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the two main types of migraines?

A

Migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

True/False: An aura can include visual, sensory, or motor symptoms.

A

t

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

A ______ is a reversible focal neurological symptom that occurs before or during a migraine attack.

A

Aura

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

List common triggers for migraines.

A

Stress, hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation), certain foods (e.g., chocolate, cheese), alcohol, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

True/False: Missing meals is not associated with triggering migraines.

A

False. Skipping meals is a common trigger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a common hormonal trigger for migraines in women?

A

Fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially during menstruation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the typical phases of a migraine?

A

Prodrome, aura (if present), headache, and postdrome.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Symptoms of the prodrome phase of a migraine include ______, ______, and ______.

A

Fatigue, mood changes, and food cravings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What symptoms are typical during the postdrome phase?

A

Fatigue, confusion, and residual head discomfort.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How is a diagnosis of migraine made?

A

Through clinical history and meeting the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

True/False: Imaging is always required to diagnose migraines.

A

False. Imaging is only indicated if there are red flag symptoms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are some red flag symptoms in headaches that warrant further investigation?

A

Sudden onset (“thunderclap”), neurological deficits, seizures, fever, or new headaches in patients over 50.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

A ______ headache is characterized by its rapid onset and may indicate a serious underlying condition.

A

Thunderclap.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

True/False: Triptans are first-line treatment for acute migraine attacks.

A

t

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

______ is a commonly used antiemetic in migraine management.

A

Metoclopramide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Name two prophylactic treatments for migraines.

A

Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) and topiramate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What lifestyle modifications can help prevent migraines?

A

Regular sleep patterns, hydration, stress management, and avoiding known triggers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

True/False: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has no role in migraine management.

A

False. CBT can be beneficial for managing stress-related triggers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is a tension headache?

A

A tension headache is the most common type of primary headache, often described as a bilateral, tight, band-like pain around the head

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

True/False: Tension headaches are typically associated with nausea and vomiting.

A

False. Tension headaches are not usually associated with nausea or vomiting.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Tension headaches are often ______ in location and can last from minutes to days.

A

Bilateral

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the underlying mechanism thought to cause tension headaches?

A

Increased muscle tension and central sensitization of pain pathways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

True/False: Stress and anxiety are significant contributing factors to tension headaches.

A

t

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are the two main types of tension headaches?

A

Episodic and chronic tension headaches.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Chronic tension headaches occur on more than ______ days per month for at least 3 months

A

14

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Describe the pain associated with tension headaches.

A

Dull, non-pulsating, and described as a tightness or pressure around the head.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

True/False: Photophobia and phonophobia may occur in tension headaches but are mild compared to migraines.

A

t

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Name common triggers for tension headaches.

A

Stress, fatigue, poor posture, dehydration, and lack of sleep.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Poor ______ posture can contribute to the development of tension headaches.

A

Cervical (neck)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

How are tension headaches diagnosed?

A

Based on clinical history and excluding secondary causes of headaches.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

True/False: Neuroimaging is typically required to diagnose tension headaches.

A

False. Imaging is not routinely required unless red flag symptoms are present.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the first-line treatment for acute tension headaches?

A

Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or NSAIDs.

37
Q

For chronic tension headaches, ______ management and stress reduction strategies are key components of treatment.

A

Lifestyle

38
Q

Name two non-pharmacological approaches to managing tension headaches.

A

Physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

39
Q

What medication can be used prophylactically for chronic tension headaches?

A

Amyitriptyline

40
Q

True/False: Caffeine overuse can lead to chronic tension headaches.

A

t

41
Q

How can tension headaches be differentiated from migraines?

A

Tension headaches are bilateral, non-pulsating, and not aggravated by physical activity, unlike migraines.

42
Q

Unlike cluster headaches, tension headaches are not associated with ______ symptoms.

A

Autonomic

43
Q

What is a cluster headache?

A

A cluster headache is a severe, unilateral headache associated with autonomic symptoms, occurring in clusters over weeks to months

44
Q

True/False: Cluster headaches are more common in women than in men.

A

False. Cluster headaches are more common in men.

45
Q

Cluster headaches are part of the group of headaches known as ______ headaches.

A

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.

46
Q

What is the suspected mechanism behind cluster headaches?

A

Dysfunction in the hypothalamus and activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex.

47
Q

Cluster headaches are linked to activation of the ______ nerve and hypothalamus.

A

Trigeminal.

48
Q

What is the characteristic presentation of a cluster headache?

A

Excruciating unilateral orbital, supraorbital, or temporal pain lasting 15–180 minutes.

49
Q

True/False: Cluster headache attacks are often accompanied by restlessness or agitation.

A

t

50
Q

Autonomic symptoms of cluster headaches include ______, nasal congestion, and eyelid edema.

A

Lacrimation (tearing).

51
Q

When do cluster headaches typically occur?

A

Frequently at night, often waking the patient from sleep

52
Q

What are the two types of cluster headaches?

A

Episodic (more common) and chronic.

53
Q

True/False: Chronic cluster headaches occur without remission periods or with remissions lasting less than three months.

A

t

54
Q

Name three common triggers for cluster headaches.

A

Alcohol, strong smells (e.g., solvents), and bright lights.

55
Q

Exposure to ______ during a cluster headache cycle can often trigger an attack.

A

Alcohol

56
Q

How are cluster headaches diagnosed?

A

Based on clinical history and criteria outlined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD).

57
Q

True/False: MRI is often used in cluster headache diagnosis to rule out secondary causes.

A

t

58
Q

What is the first-line treatment for acute cluster headache attacks?

A

100% oxygen therapy (via non-rebreather mask) and subcutaneous or intranasal sumatriptan.

59
Q

The recommended oxygen flow rate for acute cluster headache management is ______ L/min.

A

37240

60
Q

What is the first-line prophylactic treatment for cluster headaches?

A

Verapamil.

61
Q

True/False: Corticosteroids may be used for short-term prevention during a cluster headache cycle.

A

t

62
Q

_____ is a non-invasive option sometimes used for prophylaxis in cluster headaches, involving stimulation of the vagus nerve.

A

Vagus nerve stimulation.

63
Q

How can cluster headaches be differentiated from migraines?

A

Cluster headaches are unilateral, shorter in duration, and associated with autonomic symptoms, whereas migraines often involve aura and nausea.

64
Q

True/False: Cluster headaches can be mistaken for sinus headaches due to overlapping symptoms like nasal congestion.

A

t

65
Q

Do cluster headaches resolve spontaneously?

A

Episodic cluster headaches may have remission periods lasting months to years, while chronic forms may persist without significant remission.

66
Q

Patients with cluster headaches often describe the pain as one of the most ______ experiences.

A

Excruciating.

67
Q

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

A chronic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe, unilateral facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.

68
Q

True/False: Trigeminal Neuralgia is more common in women than men.

A

t

69
Q

Trigeminal Neuralgia is often described as causing ______-like or stabbing facial pain.

A

Electric Shock

70
Q

In which age group is Trigeminal Neuralgia most commonly diagnosed?

A

Typically in individuals over 50 years old.

71
Q

rigeminal Neuralgia affects the ______ nerve, which has three branches: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular.

A

Trigeminal

72
Q

What is the primary cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

Compression of the trigeminal nerve root, often by a vascular loop.

73
Q

True/False: Multiple sclerosis can also cause Trigeminal Neuralgia.

A

t

74
Q

Demyelination of the trigeminal nerve, commonly seen in ______, can lead to Trigeminal Neuralgia.

A

Multiple Sclerosis

75
Q

What are the characteristic symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

Sudden, severe, sharp, or stabbing unilateral facial pain lasting seconds to minutes, triggered by stimuli like chewing, talking, or cold wind.

76
Q

True/False: Trigeminal Neuralgia pain can occur bilaterally in some cases.

A

False. It is typically unilateral.

77
Q

Triggers for Trigeminal Neuralgia pain include ______, ______, and exposure to cold air.

A

Chewing; Talking.

78
Q

How is Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosed?

A

Through clinical history and examination, often supported by imaging (MRI) to exclude secondary causes.

79
Q

True/False: MRI is used to rule out structural causes of trigeminal nerve compression.

A

t

80
Q

A typical feature of Trigeminal Neuralgia is the absence of ______ symptoms.

A

Neurological

81
Q

What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

Carbamazepine.

82
Q

True/False: Gabapentin and pregabalin are commonly used for Trigeminal Neuralgia when carbamazepine is ineffective.

A

t

83
Q

______ surgery can be performed if pharmacological treatments fail in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

A

Microvascular decompression.

84
Q

What is the role of stereotactic radiosurgery in managing Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

It uses focused radiation to target and relieve nerve pain.

85
Q

Name two differential diagnoses for Trigeminal Neuralgia.

A

Migraine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

86
Q

True/False: Postherpetic neuralgia can mimic Trigeminal Neuralgia.

A

t

87
Q

Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia can occur due to conditions such as ______ or brainstem tumors.

A

Multiple sclerosis.

88
Q

What is the prognosis for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

A

Symptoms can be controlled with medication or surgery, though recurrence is possible.

89
Q

True/False: Untreated Trigeminal Neuralgia can lead to significant impairment in quality of life.

A

t

Phase 3a - Neurology (24 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions