Lecture 3 Flashcards
What are some common symptoms, triggers, treatments and severity levels of headaches?
Common Symptoms: Varying pain, sensitivity to light/sound, nausea.
Triggers: stress, certain foods, medications, caffeine, hormonal changes, weather changes.
Severity: Ranges from mild to severe.
Treatment Options: medications, lifestyle changes, preventive measures.
Medication Overuse Headache
Cause: Frequent use of headache medications leads to chronic headaches.
Treatment:
Withdrawal: Stopping all medications can cause withdrawal headaches.
High-Dose Glucocorticoids: May alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Prophylactic Therapy: For those needing treatment >2-3 times/month.
Strategies: stress reduction, trigger avoidance, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, biofeedback.
Migraine Headaches
Neurovascular disorder: involves dilation and inflammation of blood vessels. (throbbing pain)
Characteristics:
with or without aura
Potential Triggers:
Stress, anxiety, certain foods, drugs/alcohol, caffeine, hormonal changes, weather changes.
Treatments:
Mild to Moderate:
Aspirin-like drugs (e.g., acetaminophen + ASA + caffeine)
NSAIDs
Moderate to Severe:
Serotonin Agonists: Sumatriptan (Imitrex) narrows blood vessels.
Ergot Alkaloids: Less frequently used.
Administration: Various routes (oral, subcutaneous).
Caution: Monitor for adverse effects; assess for contraindications.
Preventative Therapy:
Beta blockers
Antiepileptic drugs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Estrogens & triptans
Cluster Headaches
Characteristics: severe, unilateral pain; occur in clusters.
Treatment:
Prophylaxis: verapamil, corticosteroids.
Acute Episodes: Oxygen Therapy, Triptans.
Tension Headaches
Treatment:
Nonopioid analgesics
NSAIDs
Education: Importance of lifestyle management.
What are the different types and receptor for Histamines
Types:
Allergic: Response to allergens.
Non-Allergic: Physiological functions.
Receptors:
H1 Receptors: Mediates allergic reactions.
H2 Receptors: Regulates gastric acid secretion.
Decribe Antihistamines
H1 Antagonists:
First- generation: diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine (sedative effects).
Second-Generation: Fexofenadine (Allegra), Loratadine (Claritin) (less sedation).
H2 Antagonists:
Function: Block gastric acid secretion.
Examples: famotidine, cipmetidine, and nizidine.
NSAIDs Overview
First-Generation NSAIDs:
Mechanism: Inhibit COX-1 and COX-2; suppress inflammation.
Examples: Aspirin, Ibuprofen.
Caution: Risk of nephrotoxicity.
Aspirin:
Uses: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory.
Adverse Effects: GI bleeding, allergic reactions.
Education: Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Second-Generation NSAIDs:
Benefits/Risks: lower GI risk, potential cardiovascular risks.
Example: Celecoxib.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol):
Mechanism: inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Uses: pain relief, fever reducer.
Adverse Effects: liver toxicity in overdose.
Overdose Treatment: Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).
Glucocorticoid Drugs
Uses: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive.
Administration Routes: Oral, injectable, topical.
Caution: Risks in patients with hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis.
Types:
Short-Acting: Cortisone, Hydrocortisone.
Intermediate: Prednisone, Methylprednisolone.
Long-Acting: Dexamethasone.
Differences Between Aspirin and Other NSAIDs
Inhibition: Aspirin causes irreversible inhibition of COX; other NSAIDs cause reversible inhibition.
Cardiovascular Risks: Aspirin does not prevent MI or stroke and may increase risk; other NSAIDs can carry similar risks.
Nursing Considerations about Glucocorticoid Drugs
During Stress: Monitor for signs of infection; adjust medications.
Education: Importance of calcium and vitamin D for bone health; monitor potassium levels.
What are NSAIDs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that can help reduce pain, fever, redness, and swelling.
Some NSAIDs can also help prevent blood clots from forming.(Asprin)
