Question 1

Which medications may be useful in treating tension-type headache? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Triptan drugs&#10;B) Lithium&#10;C) Muscle relaxants&#10;D) NSAIDs&#10;E) Oxygen

Accepted Answer

A, C, D

Question 2

A patient reports recurrent headaches occurring 1 or 2 times per month that generally occur with weather changes or when sleep patterns are disrupted. They are described as severe, with throbbing on one side of the head and sometimes accompanied by nausea. What is the recommended abortive treatment for this type of headache?

A) Gabapentin
B) Propranolol
C) Ergotamine tartrate
D) Topiramate

C

Accepted Answer

The description of severe, throbbing headaches on one side of the head, sometimes accompanied by nausea, suggests a diagnosis of migraines. In this case, ergotamine tartrate is a recommended abortive treatment for migraines. Gabapentin, propranolol, and topiramate are all prophylactic medications used to prevent migraines, not abortive treatments.

Question 3

A patient has recurrent cluster headaches and asks about abortive therapy. Which therapy is effective for most patients with cluster headaches?&#10;A) Lithium&#10;B) NSAIDs&#10;C) Oxygen&#10;D) Verapamil

Accepted Answer

Oxygen therapy is the most effective abortive therapy for most patients with cluster headaches. It typically involves inhaling 100% oxygen at a flow rate of 7-12 L/minute for 15-20 minutes. Other abortive therapies may include triptans and intranasal lidocaine, but oxygen is the first-line recommendation for most patients. Lithium and verapamil are preventive medications for cluster headaches, while NSAIDs are not typically effective for aborting cluster headache attacks.

Deck 177: Headache