Migraine Flashcards
what is a migraine
severe episodic headache that may have a prodrome of focal neurological symptoms (aura) and is associated with systemic disturbance
what symptoms (sensory disturbances) are classified as aura
flashing lights, blind spots, tingling in the face and hands
when do migraines usually start in someones life
usually early-mid life
what causes migraines
NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD
Early aura of cortical spreading depression is associated with intracranial vasoconstriction leading to localised ischaemia
This is then followed by meningeal and extracranial vasodilation mediated by serotonin, bradykinin and the trigeminovascular system
symptoms and signs of migraine
intermittent headache and associated symptoms, such as visual disturbance, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or noise (photophobia and phonophobia)
features of a migraine headache
The pain is often unilateral but may be bilateral, most often in a frontotemporal distribution, and is typically described as pulsating or throbbing
pulsatile, lasts 4-72 hours, episodic
investigations for a migraine
clinical diagnosis
bloods, CT/MRI, lumbar puncture
what can trigger a migraine
stress, exercise, lack of sleep, OCP, food (caffeine, alcohol, chocolate)
can medication cause a headache
yes… medication induced headache
treatment of a migraine
acute- NSAIDS, paracetamol, codeine, antiemetics,
advice for people suffering with migraines
stay in dark places during a migraine
avoid triggers
prognosis
can disrupt daily activities, analgesia overuse can worsen the migraine
