Weird Headaches (Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias)

Question 1

How many headaches a day does paroxysmal hemicrania cause and how long do they last for?

Answer 1

Often more than 5
5-30 mins

Question 2

Are cluster headaches or paroxysmal hemicrania headaches shorter?

Answer 2

Paroxysmal hemicrania shorter

Question 3

Are these usually unilateral or bilateral?

Answer 3

Unilateral

Question 4

What associated symptoms are common among these conditions?

Answer 4

Redness and watering of the eye
Can have drooping eyelids, nasal con

Question 5

Where does the pain typically occur in these conditions?

Answer 5

Around the eye

Question 6

How long do cluster headaches last for?

Answer 6

15-180 minutes

Question 7

How long do clusters tend to last before a period of remission?

Answer 7

Several weeks
Very variable and very variable remission length

Question 8

What is the treatment for paroxysmal hemicrania and how effective is it?

Answer 8

Indomethacin
Extremely effective

Question 9

What is the acute management of cluster headache?

Answer 9

100% oxygen
SC triptan

Question 10

What is the preventative management of cluster headache?

Answer 10

Verapamil

Question 11

Do you need to refer suspected trigeminal autonomic cephalgias to a specialist?

Answer 11

Yes for imaging and specific management

Question 12

What does SUNCT stand for?

Answer 12

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing

Question 13

How often does SUNCT headaches occur in a day and how long do they last?

Answer 13

Average about 60 ranging from 3-200
5-240 seconds

Question 14

Classic symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 14

Episodes of severe, sudden, shock-like pain in one side of the face that lasts for seconds to a few minutes
Sometimes triggered by touch

Question 15

First line management of trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 15

Carbamazepine