Neurology Flashcards
Give 3 primary headaches
-Migraine
-Cluster
-TensionF
Give 8 typical features of a migraine
-Last 4 to 72 hours
-Unilateral
-Pounding/throbbing in nature
-Moderate to severe intensity
-Photophobia
-Phonophobia
-With or without aura
-N&V
Give the 5 stages of a typical migraine
-Prodromal stage -> up to 3 days before headache
-Aura -> up to 60mins
-Headache
-Resolution
-Postdromal/recovery phase
Give 8 possible triggers for a migraine
-Stress
-Bright lights
-Strong smells
-Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, caffeine)
-Dehydration
-Menstruation
-Abnormal sleep patterns
-Trauma
What is aura ?
-Visual changes associated with a migraine
-Can be : sparks in vision, blurring vision, lines across visions and loss of different visual fields
How is a migraine acutely managed ?
-Paracetamol, NSAIDs
-Triptans (e.g sumatriptan, 50mg as the migraine starts)
-Antiemetic
What kind of medication is a triptan ?
-5HT receptor agonists (serotonin receptor agonists)
What do triptans act on?
-Smoot muscle in arteries causing vasoconstriction
-Peripheral pain receptors to inhibit their activation
-Reduce neuronal activity in the CNS
What can be used for migraine prophylaxis ?
1st : Propranolol and Topiramate -> teratogenic.
-Amitriptyline
-Acupuncture
What can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines?
-Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
What can be used for prophylaxis with migraines associated with menstruation ?
-NSAIDs (e.g. mefanamic acid)
-Triptans (frovatriptan, zolmitriptan)
What is a cluster headache ?
-Severe and unbearable unilateral headache, typically around the eye.
-Lasts 15 mins to 2 hrs
Explain the pattern of occurrence of cluster headaches
-Clusters of attacks before disappearing for a while
-E.g 3-4 attacks a day for a week/mnth followed by a pain-free period lasting 1-2 years
What can trigger cluster headaches?
-Alcohol
-Strong smells
-Exercise
Give 5 symptoms of a cluster headache
-Red, swollen and watering eye
-Pupil constriction (miosis)
-Eyelid dropping (ptosis)
-Nasal discharge
-Facial sweating
How is a cluster headache managed acutely ?
-Triptan (e.g. sumatriptan 6mg injected subcut)
-High flow 100% oxygen for 15-20 mins
Give 3 prophylactic options for a cluster headache
-Verapamil (CCB)
-Lithium
-Prednisolone (short course for 2-3 wks to break the cycle during clusters)
What is a tension headache ?
-Mild headache across the forehead in a band-like pattern around the head
- Lasts mins - days
Give 5 associations of a tension headache
-Stress
-Depression
-Alcohol
-Skipping meals
-Dehydration
Give 2 treatment options for a tension headache
-Reassurance
-Basic analgesia
Explain sinusitis
-Inflammation in the ethmoidal, maxillary, frontal or sphenoidal sinuses can cause a headache
-Usually produces facial pain behind the nose, forehead and eyes (worse on bending forward)
-Often tenderness over affected sinus
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal onstruction
What is an analgesic headache
-Headache caused by long term analgesia
-Presents similar to a tension headache
What is cervical spondylosis ?
-Common condition caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine (OA)
-Causes neck pain worse on movement but can also present with a headache
How does trigeminal neuarlgia present ?
-Intense facial pain
-Described as electricity-like shooting pain
-90% unilateral