Headache Lecture Flashcards
What is the international definition of what a headache is?
A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or face area
why does the brain itself not feel pain?
Because there are no nociceptive in the brain tissue.
Where are nociceptive receptors found?
nociceptive receptors are found in the layer tissue called the dura and the Pia (protective shield between the skull and the brain)
What does a primary headache mean?
A primary headache is a headache with the headache being the primary symptom. although exposure to food or medicines might be the cause but the headache itself is the medical problem and no other.
what are the types of primary headaches which someone can get?
migraine with or with out aura
cluster headache
TAC trigrminal autonomic cephalalgia
what are cluster headaches and how would you recognise if someone has a cluster headache?
These are headaches which occur on one side of the brain and might have pain in the eye and can last up to two three weeks and occur in a series of headaches
The eye which is affected might be droopy, red and watery. Might have swelling of the forehead, congestion and swelling of the eye lid.
What are secondary headaches?
It is a symptom of a disease which can activate the pain sensitive nerves of the head. underlying medical condition which can activate the receptors.
Give examples of secondary headaches?
Tension headache which fall into different categories
-trauma/injury to neck or head
-cerebral vascular disorder (thunderclap)
-Infection (ear/eye/nose/tooth)
Can get facial pain
-dehydration, hangover
-ADRs-rebound headaches-nitrates, sildenafil etc
How long do migraines with out aura last?
migraine with aura cab last 4-72hours
What are the characteristics of migraine with aura?
Migraine has 2 or more of the following characteristics
- unilateral location (one side of the brain)
- pulsating quality ( comes and goes)
- moderate to severe pain intensity
- aggravation by or causing avoidance of activity (e.g walking, climbing stairs)
and has one or more of the following
- nausea and/or vomiting
- photophobia and phonophobia (sound)
what does migraine with aura mean?
There is some form of trigger such as light- you have warning of the headache occurring
what is migraine with out aura?
there is no warning of the headache
how long can a migraine with aura last?
It can last up to 60mins
what is a tension headache?
A tension headache is a headache which feels like there is a tight band around the head and it is bilateral. It is caused by stress and muscle tension and usually has a slow onset
what are the common causes of a secondary headache headache?
dehydration infection ear wax eye extreme heat sinus ADR- rebound headache with overuse of painkillers
