Migraine Flashcards
What is migraine?
A complex neurological condition causing episodes of headache and associated symptoms.
List the four main types of migraine.
- migraine without aura
- migraine with aura
- silent migraine (aura but no headache)
- hemiplegic migraine
What are the 5 stages of migraine?
- prodrome
- aura
- headache
- resolution
- postdrome
What is the duration of the aura stage in a migraine?
Up to 60 minutes.
What is the typical duration of a migraine headache?
4-72 hours.
What are the typical features of a migraine?
- unilateral headache
- moderate-severe intensity
- pounding/throbbing nature
- photophobia
- phonophobia
- osmophobia
- aura
- nausea and vomiting
What are common symptoms of aura in migraines?
- sparks in vision
- blurred vision
- lines across vision
- loss of visual fields (e.g. scotoma)
What are the main features of hemiplegic migraine?
- unilateral limb weakness
- ataxia
- impaired consciousness
True or False: Hemiplegic migraine can mimic stroke or TIA.
True.
List some common triggers for migraines.
- stress
- bright lights
- strong smells
- specific foods
- dehydration
- menstruation
- poor sleep
- trauma
What are some medical options for acute management of migraines?
- NSAIDs
- paracetamol
- triptans (e.g. sumatriptan)
- antiemetics (e.g. metoclopramide, prochlorperazine)
What are triptans?
5-HT receptor agonists taken as soon as a migraine starts.
What should be avoided regarding triptans during a migraine attack?
Second doses should NOT be taken for the same attack.
List some contraindications for triptans.
- conditions with vasoconstriction (hypertension)
- CAD
- hx. stroke
- TIA
- MI
What are the most common prophylactic treatments for migraines?
- propranolol
- amitriptyline
- topiramate (teratogenic)
What are some other options for migraine prophylaxis?
- CBT
- mindfulness and meditation
- acupuncture
- vitamin B2
