A 65-year-old male complains of a headache that feels "like a knife is cutting into his head." He also reports feeling right-sided scalp and facial pain and "seeing double" at times.He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.His medications include beta blocker,statin drug,and an ACE inhibitor.On physical examination,you note palpable tenderness over the right side of the forehead.There are no neurological deficits.Vision is 20/20 with lenses.No weakness of extremities.CN II to XII are intact.The history corresponds to which of the following disorders?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The history of severe headache with scalp tenderness, facial pain, and visual disturbances in an elderly patient with hypertension and hyperlipidemia is highly suggestive of giant cell arteritis, a systemic vasculitis that commonly affects the temporal arteries. The headache in this condition is often described as a "knife-like" or "stabbing" pain. Cluster headaches typically present with unilateral pain around the eye, while migraine headaches are often associated with nausea and vomiting. Drug toxicity may cause headaches, but it is less likely given the patient's medication history.

A 65-Year-Old Male Complains of a Headache That Feels "Like