Headaches

Question 1

Tension headache

Answer 1

Bilateral constant pain across forehead. 
Non-throbbing
Tightening or pressure pain 
30 mins to several hours
No photophobia, photophobia or aura 
Treatment: NSAIDS

Question 2

MOA NSAIDS?

Answer 2

Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

Inhibit cyclooxygenase, leading to decreased production of prostaglandins that trigger pain and inflammation

Question 3

Possible treatment for migraine headaches?

Answer 3

Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists
Valproic acid
Propanolol
Triptans

Question 4

Primary headache disorders

Answer 4

Tension, migraine, cluster headaches

Question 5

Migraine headache

Answer 5

Disorder of recurrent attacks
often unilateral, associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and aura
duration of 4 to 72 hours
Gradual in onset, crescendo pattern, pulsating, moderate or sever intensity
trigger factors may include stress, menstruation, visual stimuli, weather changes, nitrates, fasting, wine, sleep disturbances, and aspartame, among others.

Question 6

Aura?

Answer 6

Non-headache symptoms experienced prior to the onset of headache. Typical with migraine headaches

Question 7

Triptans

Answer 7

Abortive therapy for migraines. Selective serotonin receptor agonists.
Eg sumatriptan, eletriptan

Question 8

Vasoactive neuropeptides?

Answer 8

calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, neurokinin A.

Associated with neurogenic inflammation which further exacerbates pain

Question 9

Scintillating scotoma

Answer 9

Classical visual symptom of migraine aura.
Patients with scintillating scotoma see bright, colorful spots of flickering light near the center of the visual field, often forming an arc. Vision is retained in other portions of the visual field

Question 10

Cluster headaches?

Answer 10

Attacks usually last 15 to 180 minutes.
Always unilateral, usually begins around the eye or temple
Unilateral autonomic symptoms are ipsilateral to the pain
may include ptosis, miosis, lacrimation, conjunctival injection, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion.
Pain is deep, continuous, excruciating and explosive in quality