Headaches

Question 1

Red Flag symptoms with Headache presentation

Answer 1

New onset or change in over 50s
Headaches in under 5s
Thunderclap = reaches peak intensity very quickly (same day specialist assessment required)
Headache waking the patient up
Headache precipitated by physical exertion or Valsalva manoeuvre ( coughing, laughing, straining)
Headache onset with exertion or sex
First or worst headache of the patient’s life
Headache that changes with posture

Question 2

Secondary causes of headaches

Answer 2

Epilepsy, mass lesions, stroke

Question 3

What causes a seizure?

Answer 3

caused by abnormal or excessive neuronal activity in the brain leading to abnormal cognitive function

Question 4

Things to find out when patient presents with seizures

Answer 4

Before: triggers, aura
During: tongue biting, urination, limb movement
After: confused, muscle ache
Witness/ video?