Inpatient Headache (HA)¶
Background¶
-
Important to distinguish primary and secondary headache
-
Red flags for secondary headaches (SNOOPP): Systemic symptoms, Neurologic symptoms, Onset that is sudden (thunderclap), Older age (new headache >40), Progression or evolution in previous headaches, Postural component
-
Other red flags: preceding trauma, headache awakening patient from sleep, no headache-free intervals, thunderclap headache (maximal intensity develops within 11 minutes or less)
Evaluation¶
-
Get a good description of where the pain is, when, associated symptoms, and assess for “red flag” features listed above
-
If there are any red flag features imaging and workup are necessary
-
Imaging depends on highest suspicions, but CTA head/neck is appropriate to evaluate for aneurysm (including neck to consider dissection). If any focal signs, MRI is generally preferred; venous imaging can be beneficial in headaches with features of elevated ICP
-
If no red flag features, then workup is not necessary, and focus is on treatment
Management¶
-
NSAIDs and Tylenol for infrequent headaches, but consistent use (>2-3 a week) runs the risk of rebound headaches
-
Triptans for migraine, but contraindicated in patients with CAD, uncontrolled HTN, previous stroke. They must be used within 6 hour of onset
- There are theoretical concerns of serotonin syndrome when used with SSRI/SNRIs
-
Migraines:
-
“Migraine cocktail”: 1L fluid bolus, 4g Mg, IV Compazine(10mg) OR Phenergan(20mg) with Benadryl (25mg)
-
2nd line: Depakote 1000 mg IV, decadron 10mg IV , ± toradol 30mg IV, flexeril 10mg PO
-
-
Cluster headache:
- Triptans, high flow O2 (>10 L), sometimes intranasal lidocaine if no arrhythmia history