Lecture 5.2: Headaches Flashcards
1
Q
Examples of Primary Headaches
A
- Migraine
- Tension Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
2
Q
Reasons for Secondary Headaches
A
- Head Trauma
- Medication Overuse
- Cancer
- Infection
- Vascular
3
Q
Mechanisms of Headaches (6)
A
- Skeletal Muscle Tension
- Arterial Dilatation
- Traction on Arteries
- Traction or Dilatation on Venous Sinuses
- Inflammation
- Referred Pain
4
Q
Stages of Migraines (4)
A
- Prodromal Fatigue (vague change in mood/appetite)
- Aura Phase
- Headache Phase
- Resolution
5
Q
Acute Management of Migraines (3)
A
- Analgesia
- Triptans
- Antiemetic
6
Q
Chronic Management of Migraines (3)
A
- Precipitant Avoidance
- Beta Blockers/Topiramate
- Acupuncture
7
Q
Precipitating Factors of Migraines (6)
A
- Foods
- Alcohol
- Emotion
- Menses
- Bright Light
- COCP
8
Q
How common are Tension Headache?
A
Most common type of headache in primary care
9
Q
Characteristics of Tension Headaches (6)
A
- Bilateral Pressure
- Rarely Systemic Upset
- No Aura
- Gets worse during the day
- Lasts 30mins to 7days
- Ranges from infrequent attacks to daily pain
10
Q
Management of Tension Headaches: Lifestyle (6)
A
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Exercise
- Mood
- Medication Abuse
- Reassurance
11
Q
Management of Tension Headaches: Medications (3)
A
- OTC medicine – paracetamol, ibuprofen
- NB – avoid codeine based products
- Low dose amitriptyline >2days/week
12
Q
Characteristics of Migraine Headaches (4)
A
- Unilateral
- Pulsatile
- Aura
- Triggers
13
Q
Characteristics of Cluster Headaches (6)
A
- Bouts of severe orbital pain lasting from 15mins to
3hrs - a/w conjunctival injection, lacrimation and nasal
blockage - Occasionally ptosis and Horner’s syndrome
- Makes patient restless (unlike migraine)
- Occur frequently (daily for several weeks)
14
Q
Acute Management of Cluster Headaches (2)
A
- Oxygen
- Triptan
15
Q
Prophylaxis of Cluster Headaches (3)
A
- Specialist Advice
- Verapamil / Li
- Avoidance of Triggers (alcohol, nicotine)