A 35-year-old male complains of a "pressure"-type headache to the back of his head and neck. He states that he woke up with the discomfort this morning, and the pain has steadily gotten worse through the day. He denies any radiation of the pain and denies photophobia but states that he is slightly nauseated. Based on this clinical presentation, the paramedic should be suspicious of what type of headache?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The clinical presentation described is consistent with a tension headache, as it is a pressure-type headache that is usually bilateral and located in the back of the head and neck. Migraine headaches typically present with unilateral pulsating pain with associated photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea, while vascular headaches (such as cluster headaches) present with unilateral pain around the eye or temple with associated tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness.

A 35-Year-Old Male Complains of a "Pressure"-Type Headache to the Back