Lecture 14 - Headaches Flashcards
What are the 2 broad types of headaches?
Primary
Secondary
What is a primary headache?
Headache due to a headache condition
What is a secondary headache?
Headache due to another condition
What are the 2 types of headache in terms of how threatening they are?
Non life threatening/sight threatentgin (Benign)
Life/sight threatening
What are the 3 main causes of primary non life/sight threatening headaches?
Tension headache
Migraine
Cluster headache
What are some causes of secondary life/sight threatening headaches?
Tumour
Haemorrhage
Meningitis
Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis)
Acute glaucoma
How do primary and secondary headaches differ in how they present in clinical examination?
Primary = clincal exam typically normal
Secondary = may have clincal exam findings
What are the normal steps taken when doing a history for a patient with a headache?
History of presenting complaint (SQITARS/SOCRATES)
PMH (previous headache or condtions causing seconadry headache)
DH (Analgesia)
FHx (migraines?)
SHx (stress, sleep, alcohol, caffeine, diet)
RED FLAG ENQUIREIES
What is the pneumonic used to to remember headache red flags?
SNOOP
What does SNOOP stand for to remember life threatening headaches?
Systemic signs and disorders
Neurological symptoms
Onset new or changed patietn > 50yrs
Onset in thunderclap presentation
Papilledema, pulsation tinnitus, Positional, exercise worsens it
What may you be thinking if a patient has a headache with fever and neck stiffness?
Meningitis
What may you be thinking if a pregantn patient has a headache?
Preeclampsia
What may you be thinking if a patietn has a headache with neurological symptoms?
Space occupying lesions
Intra-cranial haemorrhage
Glaucoma (visual)
What may be thought if a patient has a headache with an onset thunderclap headache?
Vascular haemorrhage (subarachnoid haemorrhage)
What is the most common type of headache?
Tension type headache
How does a tension type headache present in terms of:
SQITARS?
Neuro exam?
S. Generalised for frontal and occipital regions
Q. Tight band like constricting radiates to neck
I. Mild-moderate intensity
T. Worse at end of day
A. Stress, poor posture, lack of sleep
R. Analgesia
S. Few associated symptoms maybe slight nausea
Clincal examination is normal