Headaches and Migraines

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Created by: liv
Created on: 03-01-23 16:55

What are headaches a feature of?

A feature of both minor and major illnesses

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What causes headaches?

Activation of pain-sensitive areas in the brain, skull, face, sinuses or teeth

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Signs of Migraine

Moderate to severe
Frequently throbbing
Unilateral
Often with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, sensitivity to sound

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Signs of Tension

Tight band around forehead
Bilateral
Pain behind eyes

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Signs of Cluster

Excruciating headache
Occurs in clusters
Unilateral
Occurs behind or around one eye

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Signs of Sinus

Pain in sinus area in front of your head

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Signs of Thunderclap

Severe headache
Rapid onset
Peak intensity in under 1 minute

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What are some red flags with headaches?

Worst headache of patients life
Peak intensity in less than 5 minutes
Fever
Neurological deficit
Cognitive deficit
Personality changes
Altered level of consciousness
Recent head trauma
Onset after exercise
Triggered by cough, sneeze, valsalva
Hypertension

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Pharmacological treatment for headache

Pain relief
Ondansetron

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Management of headache patient

Use clinical judgement
Take to ED if any red flags are present
Older adults should go to ED as headaches are usually due to something else such as infection or stroke

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What are some serious causes of headache

Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Stroke / TIA
Subdural haematoma
Carotid artery dissection
Chiari malformation

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What causes headaches?

Back

Activation of pain-sensitive areas in the brain, skull, face, sinuses or teeth

Card 3

Front

Signs of Migraine

Back

Card 4

Front

Signs of Tension

Back

Card 5

Front

Signs of Cluster

Back

View more cards

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Headaches and Migraines