Headaches Flashcards
what is a tension headache?
increased tension in scalp muscles and neuro-vascular irritation
how does a tension headache present?
generalised frontal non-pulsitile head pain
expressed as a tight band over head
no sensitive head movements
how is a tension headache diagnosed?
clinical - typical headache without associated features (N+V) with a normal neurological exam
what is the first line treatment for a tension headache?
analgesia
rest –> supportive
what is a cluster headache?
superficial temporal artery smooth muscle hyper-reactivity to 5HT
symptoms of cluster headache?
rapid onset of excruciating pain around 1 hour.
lid swelling - watering, blood shot
restless + agitated during these times.
how is a cluster headache treated?
100% O2
sumatriptan
verapamil for prophylaxis
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
trigeminal nerve compression caused by intracranial vessels, tumour or skull malformations
what type of skull malformations cause trigeminal neuralgia?
chiari
how is trigeminal neuralgia treated?
carbamazepine
how does carbamazepine work?
P450 inducer
what is a migraine?
primary brain disorder resulting from altered modulation of normal sensory stimuli and trigeminal nerve dysfunction
what are the symptoms of migraines?
visual auras lasting 15-30 mins
unilateral throbbing head
what chemical could cause migraines?
substance P
how are migraines treated?
NSAIDs
sumatriptans
