Headache history

Silberstein SD, McCrory DC Butalbital in the treatment of headache history, pharmacology, and efficacy. Headache 41 953-967, 2001 Smith DE, Wesson DR Benzodiazepine dependency syndromes. J Psychoactive Drugs 15 85-95, 1983... 

Women with migraine headaches, history of thromboembolic disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, SLE with vascular disease, and hypertriglyceridemia are good candidates for progestin-only methods (e.g., minip-ills, DMPA, and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system). Women older than 35 years who are smokers or are obese, or who have hypertension or vascular disease, should use progesterone-only methods. 

A comprehensive headache history is the most important element in establishing the diagnosis of migraine. 

Side effects. The primary side effects reported with bupropion administration in cigarette smokers are headache, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and activation. Although most of these adverse effects occur during the first week of treatment, insomnia can persist. Seizures are of exceedingly low occurrence (<0.5%) at doses of 300 mg daily or less, but a prior history of seizures or a seizure disorder contraindicate its use. 

DW, a 78-year-old Caucasian man, presents to the emergency room with complaints of a headache persisting over the last 3 days. Repeated blood pressure measurements average 200/11 0 mm Hg. He reports no other symptoms and physical examination and laboratory tests are unremarkable as is his past medical history with the exception of hypertension diagnosed in his early 60s. DW reports that he is struggling on a fixed retirement income with no prescription coverage and takes "what I can afford." Blood pressure medications are carvedilol 25 mg twice daily, amlodipine 10 mg once daily, torsemide (Demadex )... 

Cluster headache disorders are the most uncommon and severe primary headache syndromes.9 The estimated point prevalence is less than 1%. Unlike migraine and TTH, cluster headaches occur more frequently in men. Onset commonly occurs prior to age 30.6 A genetic predisposition seems apparent, although affected individuals often provide a history of tobacco use and alcohol abuse.6 Attacks consist of debilitating, unilateral head pains that occur in series lasting up to months at a time, but that remit over months to years between occurrences. In rare instances, cluster headache can be a chronic disorder without remissions.4... 

GC, a 28-year-old woman, complains of a "terrible headache that won t go away." She describes the pain as "on one side and throbbing." The pain began yesterday morning and caused her to leave work. She reports a history of similar headaches since the age of 16, but none that lasted this long. In the past, her headaches were relieved with the use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). She often has to take analgesics multiple times per week. 

Obtain a family medical history, focusing on headache or mental health disorders in first-degree relatives. 

Light therapy is an alternative treatment for depression associated with seasonal (e.g., winter) exacerbations. Possible side effects include eye strain, headache, insomnia, and hypo-mania.16,17 Also, potentially vulnerable patients, such as those with photosensitivity or a history of skin cancer, should be evaluated carefully prior to therapy.16... 

Oxcarbazepine Hyponatremia (serum sodium concentrations less than 125 mEq/L) has been reported and occurs more frequently during the first 3 months of therapy serum sodium concentrations should be monitored in patients receiving drugs that lower serum sodium concentrations (e.g., diuretics or drugs that cause inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) or in patients with symptoms of hyponatremia (e.g., confusion, headache, lethargy, and malaise). Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in approximately 25-30% of patients with a history of carbamazepine hypersensitivity and requires immediate discontinuation. 

Allergies History of urticaria after taking aspirin for headaches... 

A 29-year-old female has a 10-year history of migraine headaches. She can usually sense onset. Which of the following agents is the drug of choice for countering acute onset of her headaches ... 

Patients with secondary hypertension may complain of symptoms suggestive of the underlying disorder. Patients with pheochromocytoma may have a history of paroxysmal headaches, sweating, tachycardia, palpitations, and orthostatic hypotension. In primary aldosteronism, hypokalemic symptoms of muscle cramps and weakness may be present. Patients with hypertension secondary to Cushing s syndrome may complain of weight gain, polyuria, edema, menstrual irregularities, recurrent acne, or muscular weakness. 

Recent history of behavioral or visual changes, headache, pain, or stiess Family history positive for psychogenic vomiting... 

The major adverse effect is irregular menstrual bleeding. Other side effects are headache, vaginitis, weight gain, acne, and breast and abdominal pain. It does not appear to decrease BMD. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, have active liver disease, a history of thromboembolic events, or a history of breast cancer. 

Fever and a history of headaches are the most common symptoms of cryptococcal meningitis, although altered mentation and evidence of focal neurologic deficits may be present. Diagnosis is based on the presence of a positive CSF, blood, sputum, or urine culture for Cryptococcus neoformans. 

The most common side effects include somnolence, dizziness, anorexia, headache, nausea, word-finding difficulties, oligohidrosis, modest weight loss, and irritability. Symptomatic kidney stones may occur in 2.6% of patients. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur in 0.02% of patients, and it should be used with caution if at all in patients with a history of allergy to sulfonamides. Monitoring of renal function may be advisable in some patients. 

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