RTS - Headaches & Migraines

Question 1

What is the difference between primary and secondary headaches?

Answer 1

Primary - can be treated in the pharmacy
Secondary - secondary to another cause, ALWAYS REFER

Question 2

How would a patient present a migraine to you?

Answer 2

Pulsating, one-sided pain
Associated with N+V or light sensitivity

Question 3

How would a patient present a tension headache to you?

Answer 3

Tight band around the head
Non-pulsating
Constant nagging pain

Question 4

How would a patient present a sinus headache to you?

Answer 4

Pain behind the brow bone and/or cheekbone

Question 5

How would a patient present a cluster headache to you?

Answer 5

Pain within or above the eye
ALWAYS REFER

Question 6

How would a patient present a chronic daily headache to you?

Answer 6

Headache present for >15 days a month
ALWAYS REFER

Question 7

What causes medication overuse headaches?

Answer 7

Due to overuse of analgesia which desensitises receptors

Question 8

What OTC class of drug is used to treat migraines?

Answer 8

5-HT1 agonists, e.g. sumatriptan (Imigran)

Question 9

What are the treatment options for primary headaches?

Answer 9

Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Caffeine
Codeine
Co-codamol