Headache Disorders Complete Revision Guide
1. Definition
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It may be primary (the disorder itself)
or secondary (caused by another medical condition).
2. Classification
A. Primary Headaches
- Migraine: Unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, ± aura.
- Tension-Type: Bilateral, band-like pressure, mild to moderate.
- Cluster: Severe unilateral orbital pain, tearing, nasal congestion, occurs in clusters.
B. Secondary Headaches
Caused by brain tumor, meningitis, stroke, hypertension, trauma, temporal arteritis,
glaucoma, intracranial hemorrhage, medication overuse.
3. Pathophysiology
Pain-sensitive structures: meninges, blood vessels, cranial nerves, scalp & neck muscles.
Migraine: trigeminovascular activation, CGRP release, vasodilation, cortical spreading depression.
Tension: muscle tension and central sensitization.
4. Causes & Risk Factors
Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, alcohol, bright light, infections, tumors.
5. RED FLAGS (SNOOP Mnemonic)
1. Definition
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It may be primary (the disorder itself)
or secondary (caused by another medical condition).
2. Classification
A. Primary Headaches
- Migraine: Unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, ± aura.
- Tension-Type: Bilateral, band-like pressure, mild to moderate.
- Cluster: Severe unilateral orbital pain, tearing, nasal congestion, occurs in clusters.
B. Secondary Headaches
Caused by brain tumor, meningitis, stroke, hypertension, trauma, temporal arteritis,
glaucoma, intracranial hemorrhage, medication overuse.
3. Pathophysiology
Pain-sensitive structures: meninges, blood vessels, cranial nerves, scalp & neck muscles.
Migraine: trigeminovascular activation, CGRP release, vasodilation, cortical spreading depression.
Tension: muscle tension and central sensitization.
4. Causes & Risk Factors
Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, alcohol, bright light, infections, tumors.
5. RED FLAGS (SNOOP Mnemonic)
