Headaches/Migraines

Question 1

What is the most common kind of headache?

How will it feel?

Answer 1

Tension headache

Like a band around the head

Question 2

What kind of headache/facial pain is associated with MS?

Describe the pain.

What drug can be used to manage it?

Answer 2

Trigeminal neuralgia

Shooting pain in face following one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve

Carbamazepine

Question 3

A patient presents with new onset headache that they can’t get rid of. Alongside an in-depth history what examination must be done to rule out a potentially life-threatening condition?

Answer 3

Fundoscopy to rule out papilloedema - sign of raised ICP

Question 4

Migraines can occur with and w/o auras. What is more common and describe what is meant by an aura?

What is it called when someone gets migraine with no headache just an aura?

Answer 4

W/o aura is most common

Aura is a visual disturbance 
- sparks
- blurred vision 
- loss of different visual fields
Commonly lasts 15-20mins and before start of headache but can occur alongside 

Silent migraine

Question 5

Describe pain distribution in a migraine.

Answer 5

Usually unilateral

Question 6

What kind of headache is associated with N+V?

Answer 6

Migraine

Question 7

How many migraines must you have before you can be diagnosed?

Answer 7

5 attacks

Question 8

What drug would you take at the beginning of your migraine?

What kind of drug is it?

Answer 8

Sumatriptin

5HT agonist

Question 9

If you have more 3+/month what drugs can you take to prevent it?

Answer 9

trial of propanol for 3 months