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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a feature of cluster headaches?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of cluster headaches?
Cluster headaches occur more frequently in females than in males.
Cluster headaches occur more frequently in females than in males.
False
What is the typical duration of a cluster headache attack?
What is the typical duration of a cluster headache attack?
15 minutes to 3 hours
The type of pain experienced in cluster headaches is often described as _____ and _____ pain.
The type of pain experienced in cluster headaches is often described as _____ and _____ pain.
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Match the following symptoms with their corresponding conditions:
Match the following symptoms with their corresponding conditions:
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Which symptom is most commonly associated with the aura stage of a migraine?
Which symptom is most commonly associated with the aura stage of a migraine?
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Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with the headache stage of a migraine.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with the headache stage of a migraine.
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What is the duration range of a migraine headache?
What is the duration range of a migraine headache?
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The most common trigger for migraines is __________.
The most common trigger for migraines is __________.
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Match the type of migraine to its criteria:
Match the type of migraine to its criteria:
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Which treatment is considered effective for very severe migraine attacks?
Which treatment is considered effective for very severe migraine attacks?
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Metoclopramide is used for the prophylaxis of migraine.
Metoclopramide is used for the prophylaxis of migraine.
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What is a common side effect of Topiramate when used for migraine prophylaxis?
What is a common side effect of Topiramate when used for migraine prophylaxis?
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A __________ migraine involves transient 3rd nerve palsy and pupil involvement.
A __________ migraine involves transient 3rd nerve palsy and pupil involvement.
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Match the following medications with their classifications:
Match the following medications with their classifications:
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Which of the following treatments is considered the drug of choice for managing increased intracranial pressure?
Which of the following treatments is considered the drug of choice for managing increased intracranial pressure?
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Hearing a pulsatile tinnitus sound is more commonly unilateral than bilateral.
Hearing a pulsatile tinnitus sound is more commonly unilateral than bilateral.
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What should be done as the first step in managing acute increased intracranial pressure?
What should be done as the first step in managing acute increased intracranial pressure?
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The type of headache described as worse in the morning and associated with retrobulbar pain is called __________ headache.
The type of headache described as worse in the morning and associated with retrobulbar pain is called __________ headache.
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Match the following treatments with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following treatments with their corresponding descriptions:
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What term describes the signs and symptoms of seizure activity?
What term describes the signs and symptoms of seizure activity?
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Atonic seizures involve fast neuronal activity.
Atonic seizures involve fast neuronal activity.
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What is the primary feature of a generalized seizure?
What is the primary feature of a generalized seizure?
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In pseudo seizures, there is a significant increase in __________ thrust movements.
In pseudo seizures, there is a significant increase in __________ thrust movements.
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Match the seizure types with their characteristics:
Match the seizure types with their characteristics:
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Which of the following types of seizures has impaired awareness and may involve automatisms?
Which of the following types of seizures has impaired awareness and may involve automatisms?
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Simple Partial seizures include loss of consciousness.
Simple Partial seizures include loss of consciousness.
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What is required for a diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome?
What is required for a diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome?
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The typical features of Generalized Onset seizures include ___ and ___ as non-motor symptoms.
The typical features of Generalized Onset seizures include ___ and ___ as non-motor symptoms.
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Match the seizure types with their features:
Match the seizure types with their features:
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What is the most common cause of unilateral trigeminal neuralgia?
What is the most common cause of unilateral trigeminal neuralgia?
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Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is often associated with compression on the superior cerebellar artery.
Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is often associated with compression on the superior cerebellar artery.
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What is the first-line medication used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia?
What is the first-line medication used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia?
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The acronym TAC stands for __________, __________, and __________.
The acronym TAC stands for __________, __________, and __________.
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Match the following treatments with their conditions:
Match the following treatments with their conditions:
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Which of the following conditions can be associated with papilledema?
Which of the following conditions can be associated with papilledema?
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Papilledema can be diagnosed using only MRI findings.
Papilledema can be diagnosed using only MRI findings.
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What is the typical opening pressure for cerebrospinal fluid during a lumbar puncture that indicates papilledema?
What is the typical opening pressure for cerebrospinal fluid during a lumbar puncture that indicates papilledema?
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____ is a benign condition associated with the pituitary gland remaining intact.
____ is a benign condition associated with the pituitary gland remaining intact.
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Match the secondary causes of papilledema to their categories:
Match the secondary causes of papilledema to their categories:
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What is a characteristic of focal seizures without dyscognition?
What is a characteristic of focal seizures without dyscognition?
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Focal seizures with dyscognition are also referred to as complex partial seizures.
Focal seizures with dyscognition are also referred to as complex partial seizures.
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What is the most common location of localization for complex partial seizures?
What is the most common location of localization for complex partial seizures?
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The possible etiology for seizures includes __________ and neurocysticercosis.
The possible etiology for seizures includes __________ and neurocysticercosis.
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Match the following features with their corresponding characteristics of seizures:
Match the following features with their corresponding characteristics of seizures:
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Which of the following conditions is characterized by continuous unilateral headaches with episodic attacks?
Which of the following conditions is characterized by continuous unilateral headaches with episodic attacks?
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Paroxysmal Hemicrania can occur 1 to 20 times a day.
Paroxysmal Hemicrania can occur 1 to 20 times a day.
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What is the treatment of choice for Hemicrania Continua?
What is the treatment of choice for Hemicrania Continua?
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The frequency of attacks in SUNCT can range from _____ to _____ per day.
The frequency of attacks in SUNCT can range from _____ to _____ per day.
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Match the symptom to the corresponding condition:
Match the symptom to the corresponding condition:
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Study Notes
Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias (TAC)
- Group of headaches with short-lasting, severe, unilateral pain and autonomic nervous system symptoms
- Includes cluster headaches, paroxysmal hemicrania, SUNCT, and hemicrania continua
Cluster Headaches
- Primarily affects young males
- Excruciating pain, often described as stabbing or boring
- Located unilaterally around the eye
- Associated with ipsilateral autonomic symptoms like conjunctival congestion, lacrimation, nasal congestion, and forehead/facial sweating
- Attacks last 15 minutes to 3 hours, typically 30 minutes
- Occur 1 to 8 times a day, lasting for 8 to 10 weeks followed by a symptom-free period
- May be triggered by alcohol, but not skin stimulation
- 20% of cases are chronic
Other Headache Types
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine: Transient third nerve palsy, often affecting pupil
- Retinal migraine: Unilateral visual impairment
- Basilar type migraine: Occipital involvement, associated with ataxia, tinnitus, vertigo
- Familial hemiplegic migraine: Inherited condition related to calcium channel dysfunction
Treatment
Acute Headache
- Mild pain: Paracetamol, NSAIDs (Naproxen, Ibuprofen)
- Moderate to Severe pain: Triptans (Eletriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan, Sumatriptan)
- Very Severe pain: Sumatriptan (SC) or Zolmitriptan (intranasal)
- Note: Triptans are contraindicated in cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease and their efficacy depends on how quickly they reach peak concentration in the body. They are not effective for migraines with aura. Ergotamine is associated with a lower risk of recurrence.
Prophylaxis
- First-line: Beta-blockers, Valproate, Topiramate
- Second-line: SNRIs (Venlafaxine), TCAs
- Third-line: Pizotifen, Flunarizine, Clonidine, Candesartan
- Newer drugs and therapies: Erenumab (CGRP antagonist), supraorbital transcutaneous stimulation, Onabotulinum toxin A, greater occipital nerve block
Prophylactic side effects
- Topiramate: Weight loss, kidney stones
- Valproate: Weight gain, liver disease, high ammonia levels, low platelet count
Migraine
- Prodrome: Mood changes, irritability, depressive symptoms
- Aura: Zig-zag lines (most common), flashes of light, shimmering spots in vision
Headache Phase
- Unilateral, throbbing, and pounding pain
- Located in the frontotemporal area
- Lasts 4 to 72 hours
- May be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and sensitivity to smells
- Postdrome: Lethargy, low mood/depression
Triggers
- Most common: Sleep deprivation
- Other triggers: Menstruation, stress, environmental factors (traffic, climate, etc.), food, mosquito bites, henna
Migraine Criteria
Common Migraine
- At least 5 attacks lasting 4 to 72 hours
- At least 2 characteristics:
- Unilateral pain
- Pulsating pain
- Moderate to severe pain
- Worsening with physical activity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Photophobia or phonophobia
- Not attributed to another disorder
Classical Migraine
- At least 2 attacks lasting 4 to 72 hours
- Aura phase with at least 3 of the following:
- Gradual onset
- Fully reversible
- Duration of 5 to 60 minutes
- At least one neurological symptom
Other Headache Types
- Orthostatic Headache: Headache that worsens with standing or sitting upright
- Frequency: Daily
- Location: Bilateral
- Timing: Worsens in the morning
- Aggravating factors: Coughing, straining
Visual Symptoms
- Transient visual obscuration: Most common visual symptom
- Blackouts or greyouts: Loss or dimming of vision
- Duration: Seconds to minutes
- Location: Unilateral or bilateral
Tinnitus
- Type: Pulsatile (third most common) tinnitus
- Location: Heard in silent surroundings
- Location: Unilateral (more frequent than bilateral)
Benign Intracranial Hypertension
- Clinical Features: Papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve) and no neurological symptoms, except possible sixth nerve palsy
-
Diagnostic Tests:
- MRI: Normal findings in benign intracranial hypertension
- CT/MRI: Normal results
- Lumbar Puncture: Opening pressure greater than 25 cm of H₂O, normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemistry and cytology
-
Causes:
- Drugs: Outdated tetracycline, nalidixic acid, NSAIDs, retinol, danazol, tamoxifen
- Endocrine: Steroid withdrawal, growth hormone, anabolic steroids
-
Treatment:
- Acetazolamide
- Weight Loss
- Topiramate
- Repeated lumbar puncture
- Surgery (optic nerve sheath fenestrations, shunting)
Trigeminal Neuralgia
-
Clinical Features:
- More common in females aged 50 to 60 years
- Sudden, intense, sharp pain lasting seconds to minutes
- Unilateral pain, usually affecting V2 and V3 branches of the trigeminal nerve
- Triggered by skin stimulation
- Refractory period (time when pain does not occur after a trigger)
- Diagnosis: Specialized MRI
-
Treatment:
- Carbamazepine is the most effective treatment
- Lamotrigine
- Subcutaneous botulinum toxin
- Microvascular decompression in severe cases
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia (Eagle Syndrome)
-
Clinical Features:
- Sudden, severe, short-lasting pain that recurs in bouts
- Affects the tonsil bed, throat, and angle of the jaw
- Triggered by coughing, yawning, swallowing
- May be associated with cardiac conduction abnormalities
-
Treatment:
- Surgery to remove the elongated styloid bone
Seizures
- Semiology: Signs and symptoms of seizure activity
-
Types:
-
Focal onset (partial):
- Simple partial: No loss of consciousness, may involve motor (tonic, clonic, atonic, myoclonic) or sensory symptoms
- Complex partial: Impaired awareness or dyscognition (altered consciousness), may involve automatisms (repetitive movements), autonomic symptoms, behavioral arrest, or cognitive and emotional issues
-
Generalized onset:
- Motor seizures: Tonic-clonic, clonic, tonic, myoclonic, atonic
- Non-motor seizures (absent): Typical, atypical, or myoclonic absent
- Unknown onset: Seizures where the onset is unclear
-
Focal onset (partial):
Focal Onset Seizures
- Complex partial seizures: Most common type, typically involve the medial temporal lobe, associated with a higher risk for future seizures
-
Etiology:
- Structural lesions in the frontal or fronto-parietal lobes
- Tuberculomas, neurocysticercosis, brain tumors, stroke
-
Presentation:
- Clonic movements (2-3 Hz)
- Abnormal synchronous facial and limb movements
- Todd's palsy (post-ictal weakness lasting up to 24 hours)
- Jacksonian march (spread of motor activity from distal to proximal)
- Epilepsia partialis continua (continuous activity lasting hours to days)
- Aura (rare)
Generalized Onset Seizures
-
Motor seizures (Grand Mal):
- Tonic-clonic: Stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking
- Clonic: Rhythmic jerking of muscles
- Tonic: Stiffening of muscles
- Myoclonic: Brief, sudden muscle jerks
- Atonic: Loss of muscle tone, causing a sudden collapse
-
Non-motor seizures (Absent):
- Typical absent: Brief lapse of consciousness, often with staring
- Atypical absent: Longer duration, possible motor components, more subtle consciousness changes
- Myoclonic absent: Brief jerks, often associated with absent seizures
Epilepsy
- Diagnosis: Brain MRI, electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate the type of seizure, frequency, and presence of loss of consciousness.
- Epilepsy Syndrome: Defined as experiencing at least two unprovoked seizures separated by more than 24 hours with no identifiable cause, or a single seizure along with MRI or EEG findings suggesting a high risk for further seizures
Paroxysmal Hemicrania
- More commonly affects women than men
-
Headache features:
- Unilateral, throbbing, boring, or stabbing
- Excruciating pain
- Attacks last 2 to 30 minutes, typically 5 minutes
- Occur 1 to 20 times a day
- Autonomic symptoms: Present
- Migraine-like features: Absent
- Triggers: No alcoholic trigger
-
Treatment:
- Short-term: Steroids (most effective), verapamil, galcanezumab, greater occipital nerve injection
- **Long-term:**Verapamil (the most effective long-term treatment), topiramate, lithium
- During an attack: Indomethacin (reduces frequency but is not effective for treating an ongoing attack)
SUNCT
-
Pain:
- Unilateral, stabbing or throbbing, located in the orbital or temporal region
- Attacks last 5 to 240 seconds
- Occur 3 to 200 times a day
- Migraine-like features: Absent
-
Treatment:
- During an attack: Intravenous lignocaine
- Prevention: Lamotrigine or topiramate
-
Triggers:
- No alcoholic trigger
- Cutaneous trigger (skin stimulation)
- No refractory period
Hemicrania Continua
- More common in older females
- Description: Continuous, unilateral, background headache with episodic TAC
- Migraine-like features: Present
- Autonomic symptoms: Present
-
Treatment:
- 100% oxygen (12-15 L/min for 10-20 minutes)
- Sumatriptan 6 mg subcutaneously
- Indomethacin is the treatment of choice for this headache type
- Responsive to: Indomethacin
Investigation of TAC
-
Diagnostic tests:
- MRI of the brain
- Polysomnography (sleep study)
- Pituitary function tests
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Description
This quiz focuses on the various types of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias (TAC), including cluster headaches and other related headache syndromes. Explore the characteristics, symptoms, and triggers associated with these painful conditions for a deeper understanding of TAC.