Head

Question 1

Tension Headache

Answer 1

• most common headache
• most common in women
• Cause: stress, anxiety, or awkward neck movements
• episodic or chronic

Question 2

Symptoms of Tension Headache

Answer 2

• dull, bilateral pain (band pain)
• constant, not pulsing

Question 3

Migraine Headaches

Answer 3

• more common in women
• Cause: activation of trigeminal ganglion leading to release of substance P and neurokinin A

Question 4

Symptoms of Migraine

Answer 4

• unilateral
• pulsing/throbbing pain
• nausea and vomiting

Prodromal
- tinglinging in extremities
- change in vision/blind spots
- sensory changes

Question 5

Cluster Headache

Answer 5

• most severe but least common
• more common in men
• shorter duration but can occur in series
• Cause: hypoxia or abnormal serotonin release

Question 6

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Answer 6

• unilateral, behind the eye
• severe, constant pain
• nausea and vomiting
• rhinorrhea or swelling

Question 7

Treatment of Cluster Headache

Answer 7

oxygen

Question 8

Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Headache

Answer 8

• avoid stress
• avoid triggers
• exercise
• massage
• sleep
• heat/cold pack

Question 9

Pharmacological Treatment of Headaches

Answer 9

• Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine

Question 10

When to refer a headache

Answer 10

hypertension
stroke
trauma
confusion
neck stiffness
frequent occurences (>15 per month)
fever
OTC ineffective