Headaches (Ferguson) Flashcards
Cranial structures that are pain sensitive (5)
- Scalp
- Sinuses (periosteum)
- Meninges
- Pial arteries
- Arteries/ Major Veins
Cranial structures NOT sensitive to pain
- Ventricles
- Choroid
- Brain parenchyma
- Small parenchymal and dural veins
Which part of the brainstem can be activated to induce headache? What happens? What kind of headache is caused?
Activation of small area near dorsal raphe nucleus–> ^ 5-HT–> Migraine
What are the three types of headache?
- primary HA
- secondary HA
- cranial neuralgia
Which characteristic of migraines must be differentiated from pseudo tumor cerebri?
Exacerbation with exertion
Define migraine:
Which primary/secondary/neuralgia?
List associated symptoms (5)
Benign, recurring, primary HA
- photophobia
- phonophobia
- N/V
- worse with exertion
- Aura~
What is the current belief regarding pathophys of migraines? Where does it start? Which system is responsible for HA? Explain asstd. N/V, pallor, flushing, congestion?
Begins in brainstem with instability/ activation of cells–> spreads peripherally to stimulate trigenminal system
Involvement of chemoreceptors–> N/V
Involvement of ANS–> pallor, flushing, congestion
What is a migraine without aura (common migraine) and how does it present? How long does the HA last?
Unilateral deep, throbbing sensation Asstd. photophobia, phonophobia n/v worse with exertion better with rest
Most 30min-6hrs, possibly up to 72hrs
What is a migraine with aura and how does it present?
Common migraine proceeded by aura up to 30 min before HA onset, or 1 hr into HA
List 4 examples of an aura
- Visual disturbance (scintillating scotoma, central scotoma, monocular vision loss…)
- Focal paresthesia
- Focal weakness or paralysis
- Phonophobia (heightened sensitivity to sound) or other auditory disturbance
What is a complicated migraine and how is it diagnosed?
This is a migraine with a dramatic aura that lasts for an extended period of time–mimics stroke
DX by excluding stroke or other path
Describe the onset pattern of a basilar migraine. With which severe pathology might this HA be confused?
Vertigo/ Dysarthria/ Ataxia/ Diplopia (brainstem/ posterior cerebral circ. sx.) –> 30 min later throbbing occipital pain
Possible confusion with posterior circ. stroke
Wha tis a Bickerstaff Migraine? How does it present?
Most severe basilar migraine
Total blindness–> other postural cerebral circ. sx. –> throbbing occipital pain
List 5 Triggers of migraines
- Red wine
- Food: Chocolate/ Cheese/ MSG/ Nitrates
- Hunger
- Sleep deprivation/ disturbance
- Stress
When should patient take abortive tx for migraine? What are 4 classes of drugs used for abortive therapy?
Immediately, keep drugs handy
- NSAIDS
- 5-HT Agonists (Triptans, ergots)
- Dopamine Antagonists
- Combinations drugs
When do we generally pursue prophylactic therapy for patients with migraines?
> 4-6 migraines per dos, Pt missing work/ school with HA, Recurrent ED visits secondary to sx.
What are 5 classes of drugs used for migraine prophylaxis? How do we decide which to use?
- Beta blockers
- Ca++ channel blockers
- TCAs
- Anticonvulsants
- 5-HT
Decision made based on patient’s comorbidities
Which drug is used to treat skinny kids with migraines so they will gain weight?
Cyproheptadine (seritonergic drug)