Headache types
I am the most common headache of all. I might be described as a "tight, squeezing band" around the head and usually OTC analgesics will suffice for treatment.
What is tension headache?
I usually present as a unilateral, pulsating, headache that is often debilitating with associated photophobia/phonophobia, N/V, and sometimes an aura.
What is migraine?
What is the best imaging modality for an acute traumatic head injury?
What is non-contrasted CT scan?
First line treatment for me is high flow oxygen >12 L/min x 15 minutes through a non-rebreather mask.
What is Cluster headache?
Evolving literature supports the supplementation of this specific electrolyte in the treatment of migraines, as it has been shown that low levels of this electrolyte may play a role in migraine pathogenesis.
What is Magnesium?
(It is important to note that the level of Mg measured in blood serum does not reflect its concentration in the internal environment of cells (including erythrocytes, platelets, neurons, and myocytes) Can give as 2g IV in ED.
I am a type of secondary headache and am most commonly caused by rupture of a saccular aneurysm.
What is Subarachnoid hemorrhage?
I am classically known for my textbook triad of fever, nuchal rigidity and change in mental status, but my most common clinical feature is actually a severe headache in 84% of patients.
What is the best imaging of choice (most sensitive and specific) for suspected brain tumor/neoplasm?
What is MRI with and without contrast.
Parenteral administration of what medication is often used to prevent migraine attack relapse?
What is Dexamethasone?
This particular block may be beneficial in treatment of primary headache conditions, as well as facial pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia. It is administered through the nose.
What is a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
I am a secondary vascular headache. I usually present as a headache with neck pain. I am known for causing Horner's syndrome (ipsilateral ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis) in some cases.
What is cervical dissection?
Ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms such as what are common features of this particular type of headache? (Name at least 3 symptoms)
What is ptosis, miosis, lacrimation, conjunctival injection, rhinorrhea, and/or nasal congestion.
An elevated carboxyhemoglobin level will make the diagnosis for the cause of this headache.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
What is the drug of choice for prophylaxis of episodic and chronic cluster headache?
What is Verapamil?
There is no high-quality evidence that supports the use of these two drug classes for the treatment of headaches of any kind and are often linked to medication overuse headaches.
What are Opioids and Barbiturates
Having a history of Polymyalgia Rheumatica is associated with an increased risk for also having headaches caused by me.
What is temporal arteritis?
I usually present as a headache with vision loss or diplopia. On exam, you will find papilledema and when an LP is performed there with be an elevated opening pressure with normal (CSF) composition. (Hint: I most commonly affect a demographic of overweight women of child bearing age.)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri)
What 3 laboratory tests may play the best role in supporting the diagnosis of GCA?
What is ESR, CRP, platelet count?
This class of medications should be avoided in those with cardiovascular disease such as ischemic stroke, ischemic heart disease, Prinzmetal's angina, and uncontrolled hypertension. You may also want to avoid these medications for hemiplegic migraine and migraine with brainstem aura.
What are triptans?
The following are common migraine triggers and elimination may be attempted prior to medication management. List a minimum of 5.
What are alcohol, Artificial sweeteners, caffeine (overconsumption or withdrawal), delayed or missed meals, exercise, dehydration, certain foods (chocolate, cheese), light, menses, odors (perfumes, etc), oral contraceptives, sleep disturbance, smoke, stress, weather changes, psychiatric illness.
Key features of me include the occurrence of episodic, reversible motor weakness as a manifestation of migraine aura in conjunction with at least one other kind of aura (visual, sensory, aphasic, or brainstem).
What is a hemiplegic migraine?
My presentation is highly variable but I most typically present as a headache, although, usually never as an isolated symptom. I am often accompanied by a neurologic deficit and symptoms may be worse in the morning and accompanied by vomiting. I also may be exacerbated by physical activity.
What is brain tumor (primary or metastaic)?
In patients with a suspected central venous thrombosis, what is your imaging study (or studies) of choice?
What is MRI brain + MR venogram?
Intravenous diphenhydramine is sometimes given with these drugs to prevent akathisia and acute dystonic reactions, which are the main side effects of this class of medications. Please also give an example.
Dopamine receptor antagonist/antiemetic
Reglan/Phenergan
SNOOPP is a common pneumonic used for recognizing "red flags" in headache patients. What does SNOOPP stand for?
Systemic signs/sx, neurologic sx or findings, Onset (sudden/abrupt, changed from prior), Older (>50), Progressive, positional.