Migraine & Hypertension Flashcards
What is a key characteristic of migraine headaches?
Intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head
May be accompanied by nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light or other sensory stimuli.
What are the two types of migraine headaches?
- Migraine headaches with aura (classic migraines)
- Migraine headaches without aura (common migraines)
The differentiation is based on the presence or absence of neurological symptoms before the headache.
Name three common triggers for migraine headaches.
- Emotional stress or relaxation after stress
- Abrupt weather changes
- Certain foods
Other triggers include alcohol, missing a meal, and routine physical activity.
How can physical activity affect migraines?
May worsen intensity
Activities like bending forward or walking can exacerbate the pain.
What is a possible physiological link to migraine headaches?
Low level of serotonin
The exact cause of migraines is not totally understood.
List two classes of medications used to treat migraines.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ergot alkaloids
Other treatments include SSRIs, SSRI agonists, and beta blockers.
Fill in the blank: Migraines can be triggered by _______.
[emotional stress or relaxation after stress]
This is one of the many potential triggers for migraine headaches.
True or False: All migraine headaches occur with an aura.
False
There are migraines both with and without aura.
What type of training can be combined with treatment for migraines?
Thermal biofeedback and autogenic training
These methods can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What are the two types of hypertension?
Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension
Primary hypertension is also known as essential hypertension.
What is primary hypertension?
Diagnosed when the physiological cause of high blood pressure is unknown
Accounts for up to 90% of all cases.
What is secondary hypertension?
Diagnosed when high blood pressure is due to a known disease
Why is primary hypertension referred to as the ‘silent killer’?
Because it’s often asymptomatic
List some risk factors for primary hypertension.
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Excessive salt intake
- Stress
- Male gender
- Older age
- African American race
- Family history of hypertension
What are common treatments for primary hypertension?
- Lifestyle changes
- Diuretic
- Beta blocker
- ACE inhibitor
- Other blood pressure medication
- Biofeedback or relaxation training
True or False: Primary hypertension accounts for more than 90% of hypertension cases.
False
Fill in the blank: Primary hypertension is often diagnosed when the physiological cause of high blood pressure is _______.
[unknown]
