Migraine Flashcards

1
Q

What are the types of headaches?

A

tension (most common), cluster, migraine (recurrent, severe)

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2
Q

What is the cause of tension headaches?

A

muscle contraction and peripheral sensitization of nociceptors caused by a multitude of things, such as: stress, physical causes, dehydration, ect.

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3
Q

What is the clinical presentation of tension headaches?

A

mild-moderate severity, non-pulsating, band-like pressure/tightness, bilateral

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4
Q

What is the 1st line acute treatment of tension headaches?

A

OTC acetaminophen or NSAIDs
note: no evidence for muscle relaxants

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5
Q

What is the 2nd line acute treatment of tension headaches?

A

if first line failed, prescription NSAIDs or combo products, such as: butalbital OR codeine + aspirin or acetaminophen
note: no evidence for muscle relaxants

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6
Q

What is the cause of cluster headaches?

A

decreased sympathetic and increased parasympathetic activity, vasoactive neuropeptide release and neurogenic inflammation, caused by heat, light, high altitude, cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, exercise, foods high in nitrites

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7
Q

What is the clinical presentation of cluster headaches?

A

-unilateral, severe, intermittent, sharp/stabbing
-parasympathetic symptoms= lacrimation (tearing), rhinorrhea (nasal discharge/mucus), sweating
-typically at night but may occur throughout day
-excited or restless

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8
Q

What is 1st line acute treatment of cluster headaches?

A

100% oxygen mask

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9
Q

What is 2nd line acute treatment of cluster headaches?

A

if oxygen fails, -triptans or ergotamine derivative

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10
Q

What agents may be given to prevent cluster headaches?

A

-verapamil, lithium, corticosteroids, galcanezumab (Emgality)

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11
Q

Describe the dosing of galcanesumab (Emgality) for cluster headaches

A

300 mg subq at the onset of cluster period and then once monthly until end of cluster period

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12
Q

What is the pathophysiology of migraines?

A

serotonin (5-HT) is an important mediator of -> vascular vasodilation is a result of vasoactive neuropeptides (CGRP, neurokinin A, substance P) leading to inflammation and pain

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13
Q

What is the International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria for migraines?

A

-at least 5 attacks
-headaches last 4-72h
-must have 2 of the following characteristics: unilateral, pulsating, moderate-severe intensity, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity
-during the headache, must have one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia AND phonophobia

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14
Q

What does POUND stand for for migraine diagnosis?

A

-P: pulsating or throbbing pain
-O: one-day average duration
-U: unilateral location
-N: nausea or vomiting
-D: disabling

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15
Q

What are the goals of therapy for migraine treatment?

A

-reduce migraine frequency, severity, and disability
-improve quality of life
-minimize use of backup and rescue medications
-treat attacks rapidly and consistently
-optimize self-care, utilize cost effective treatments, and decrease emergency visits
-minimize adverse effects

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16
Q

What are the non-pharmacological treatment options for migraines?

A

-identify and avoid triggers
-lifestyle changes: regular sleep, exercise, limited caffeine, smoking cessation
-behavioral interventions: relaxation, cognitive behavioral therapy
-icepacks, rest in a dark area

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17
Q

What are common triggers for migraines?

A

alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, loud noises, strong smells, smoke, flickering lights, menstraution

18
Q

When is migraine medication most effective?

A

when administered within 1 hour of symptom onset

19
Q

How many days a month is it recommended to take symptomatic medication?

A

< 10days

20
Q

What are the acute treatment options for migraines?

A

-analgesics
-serotonin agonists (triptans)
-lasmiditan
-ergotamine derivatives
-CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants)
-antiemetics
-opioids
-dexamethasone

21
Q

What is the 1st line treatment for mild-moderate pain associated with migraines?

A

analgesics

22
Q

What is the 1st line treatment for moderate-severe pain associated with migraines?

A

serotonin agonists (triptans)

23
Q

MOA: serotonin agonists (triptans)

A

increased vasoconstriction, inhibition of vasoactive peptide release, inhibition of transmission from trigeminovascular system

24
Q

Adverse Effects: serotonin agonists (triptans)

A

paresthesia, fatigue, dizziness, flushing, warm sensations, chest tightness, somnolence

25
Q

Contraindications: serotonin agonists (triptans)

A

ischemic heart disease, previous MI, hemiplegic/basilar migraine, uncontrolled HTN

26
Q

Precautions: serotonin agonists (triptans)

A

high risk for coronary heart disease (older men with risk factors and postmenopausal women) or SSRI use due to risk of serotonin syndrome

27
Q

Drug Interactions: serotonin agonists (triptans)

A

ergotamine derivatives, MAOIs

28
Q

MOA: Lasmiditan

A

serotonin (5HT1F) agonist, decreases trigeminal system without causing vasoconstriction

29
Q

Adverse Effects: Lasmiditan

A

dizziness (do not drive for 8h after taking medication)

30
Q

Indication: Ergotamine derivatives

A

moderate-severe migraine episodes, not generally first line due to tolerability

31
Q

MOA: Ergotamine derivatives

A

nonselective serotonin (5HT1) agonist, vasoconstriction of intracranial blood vessels and inhibition of neurogenic inflammation in the trigeminovascular system, caffeine enhances absorption and potentiates analgesia

32
Q

Adverse Effects: Ergotamine derivatives

A

nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, paresthesia, muscle pain, chest tightness, peripheral ischemia (rare)

33
Q

Contraindications: Ergotamine derivatives

A

pregnancy/breastfeeding, renal/hepatic failure, cardiac disease, uncontrolled HTN, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

34
Q

Drug Interactions: Ergotamine derivatives

A

triptans, MAOIs

35
Q

What is the role of CGRP in migraines?

A

calcitonin gene-related peptide, a neuropeptide released from activated trigeminal sensory nerves, dilates intracranial and extracranial blood vessels and centrally modulates vascular nociception

36
Q

Indication: CGRP antagonists (gepants)

A

used for acute treatment or prevention of migraines

37
Q

Indication: antiemetics

A

treats N/V symptoms associated with migraines or used prior to giving medication during attack to improve absorption

38
Q

Indication: Opioids

A

last line for migraine treatment, inadequate evidence

39
Q

What are the indications to implement preventative therapy?

A

-recurrent migraines with significant disability despite acute therapy
- > 2 headaches/week
-issues with/failed acute therapy
-patient preference
-predictable patterns

40
Q

Indication: Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies

A

used for prevention (all except rimegepant which can be used for acute treatment), typically utilized when inadequate response or tolerance with at least 2 other agents

41
Q

Indication: OnabotulinumtoxinA

A

approved for the prevention of chronic migraines ( 15+ headaches/months lasting 4+ hours) in pt >18 yo