Headaches Flashcards
What is the mnemonic for concerning symptoms with HAs?
- Systemic symptoms
- Neurological signs
- Onset sudden
- Old (more than 50)
- Prior h/o
- Secondary illnesses
New onset HAs in patient over how old is concerning for more severe disease?
50 years
What should the neuro exam always include with HA complaints?
Fundoscopy
What are the characteristics of the pain with HAs 2/2 a space occupying lesion in the brain?
Steady, non-throbbing HA that occurs in the morning or awakens patients
What usually worsens HAs 2/2 a space occupying lesion in the head?
Valsalva-disruption of CSF flow
What is the natural h/o space occupying HAs?
Slowly increases in frequency and duration
What is the leading cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Rupture of cerebral arterial aneurysm
True or false: Regardless of the CT outcome, CSF fluids is needed if suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage
True–5% false negative rate
True or false: Giant cell arteritis, meningitis, and acute sinusitis can all cause a thunderclap HA
True
Which gender is usually more affected with reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome?
Females
What is the mean age of onset for reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome?
45
What are the characteristics of the HAs with reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome? How frequent are they?
Thunderclap HA that peaks within one minute, and is very intense. Followed by n/v.
Usually have multiple over a 1-4 week period
True or false: multiple “thunderclap” HAs over a week period is usually pathognomonic for reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome
True
What are the complications from reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome?
- Localized cortical SAH
- Ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke
What is the pathophysiology of reversible vasoconstrictive syndrome?
Transient disturbance of cerebral arterial vascular tone in segmental and multifocal fashion
What are the characteristics of the HA with meningitis?
Severe and global
What are the four major etiologies of low pressure HAs?
- Post LP
- CSF rhinorrhea
- Inappropriate shunt
- Primary intracranial hypotension
What is the characteristic features of low pressure HAs?
HA that is present when standing, but resolves upon lying down
What usually causes acute hydrocephalus?
Ventricular obstruction or shunt malfunction
What is pseudotumor cerebri?
Idiopathic intracranial HTN that often causes HAs
What is the sound that is heard with pseudotumor cerebri?
Pulsatile “swishing” tinnitus
What are the exam findings of pseudotumor cerebri (LP, fundoscopic)?
- High opening pressure with an LP
- Papilledema
What is the major sequelae of high pressure HAs?
Permanent visual loss
How do you diagnose high pressure HAs?
Normal imaging with appropriate history
What is the treatment for pseudotumor cerebri?
Weight loss and diuretics
What age does cranial arteritis occur?
50+