Headaches/head pain Flashcards
What is a primary headache?
The disorder is the headache
What is a secondary headache?
A headache due to an underlying disorder
What are some examples of primary headaches?
Tension type headache
Migraine
Cluster headache
What are some examples of secondary headaches?
SOL - intercranial tumours
Infections - meningitis/encephalitis
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Intercranial hypertension
Giant cell arteritis
Describe a tension type headache
- 60-80% of population
- “Band of pressure” around head, usually bilateral
- Symptoms - dull/aching, tenderness of scalp, neck & shoulders
- Risk factors - anxiety/stress, poor sleep, young age
Describe a migraine
- 15% of population
- Moderate - severe intensity
- Symptoms - recurrent throbbing/pulsating, mostly unilateral, nausea/vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, 1/3 suffer aura (numbness/tingling, muscle weakness)
Describe a cluster headache
- 0.1% of population
- “suicide headache” - excruciating
- Symptoms - unilateral (eye/temple), <4hr duration, sweating, tearing, hyperemia, ptosis, rhinorrhea, restlessness
- Cyclical/consistent timing
- Risk factors - precipitated by alcohol, MC in men, smoking
What are the red flags for headaches?
(SNOOP mnemonic):
Systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss)
Neurologic symptoms (seizures, confusion)
Onset is sudden (thunderclap)
Older age (>50)
Previous headache history change
Describe head pain
A general term referring to any pain felt in the head region, which may or may not be due to a headache disorder. Could stem from musculoskeletal issues, neuralgia, eye/ear disorders, or vascular causes.
What are the S&S of head pain?
Sharp, stabbing pain (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia)
Pressure-like pain (e.g., sinus-related)
Pain localised to scalp, face, temples, or base of skull (e.g., TMJ)
Giant cell artritis
May be triggered by touch, movement, posture, or stress
