Headache

Question 1

Tension Headache

Outline the symptoms, aetiology, investigations and management of Tension Headache

Answer 1

Question 2

Migraine

Outline the symptoms, aetiology, investigations and management of Migraine

Answer 2

Management:

Immediate/rescue treatments:

• Analgesia: NSAIDS
• Sleep should include cold cloth compression
• Anti emetics are prochlorperazine and cyclizine
• Triptans (Sumitriptan) are 5-HT1 agonists

Prophylactic treatments:

• ​Sodium channel blockers
  
  • Sodium Valproate
  • Topiramate
• Beta blockers
  
  • Propanolol
• Tricyclics (5-HT2 antagonists)
  
  • ​Pizotifen
  • Amitryptyline

Question 3

Space-occupying lesion

Outline the symptoms, aetiology, investigations and management of Space-occupying lesion

What are the red flags for SOL?

Answer 3

Definition:

• Raised ICP, can be
  
  • ​Solid tumour
  • Hydrocephalus (inhibited CSF flow)
    
    • ​communicating or non communicating (issue of CSF reabsorption)
  • Haemorrhage

Investigations:

• MRI
• USS (Hydrocephalus)

Treatment:

• Surgery
  
  • resection of tumor
  • shunt for hydrocephalus