Case Study Headache
Case Study Headache
INTRODUCTION
CASE
The patient is a 26-year-old woman who complains of stress headaches. For the 4th time
since last week, she develops a mild left-sided neck tightness that, after several hours, spreads to
the left temporal area with moderate intensity. She is easily irritated by her officemate's loud
chatter, squints on headlights, and feels a left-hand weakness as she drives home by 5 pm. Her
headaches last about 5 hours and are minimally reduced by Acetaminophen. Today, her headache
was accompanied by nasal congestion, prompting V to head on to the pharmacy for a quick consult.
The patient denies allergies to food and medications and currently takes Rosuvastatin 5mg
OBJECTIVES
2. Discuss the symptoms of the patient based on the pathophysiology of the disease presented
in the case.
HEADACHE
Classification of Headaches
• Primary Headache
• Tension-type headache
• Migraine headache
• Secondary Headache
An accident or recent trauma injury around the area of the head or neck may have
caused a headache.
Some of these headache disorders are caused by high or low cerebrospinal fluid
enormous disability and suffering and plays a significant role in the transformation
• Infection
Types of Headache
SYMPTOMS
Headaches result from the signals interacting in your brain. Any mechanism or activity
may trigger a particular nerve that influences the muscles and blood vessels. Your brain receives
• Numbness or tingling
• Mental confusion
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Paralysis
• Seizures
RISK FACTORS
Other researchers still finding what causes a headache but these are the risk factors to have a
headache:
1. Stress
2. Lack of sleep
3. Missing meals
4. Overuse of caffeine
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5. Eye strain
6. Drinking alcohol
7. Smoking
9. Physical overexertion
11. Heat
Some headache drugs are available off the shelf at the pharmacy. These medicines are
from a doctor is required. The ideal medication for your needs can be determined with the
3. Aspirin
1. Triptans
2. Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
3. Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
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METHODOLOGY
DATA COLLECTION
To collect the needed data, the researchers conducted an interview with the patient to
discuss the important details of her condition. The interview questionnaire used a semi-structured
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
As per the patient’s request, her identity shall remain confidential throughout this study.
All data presented in this study shall not be used in an unethical manner. The researchers also made
sure that every process of the study where the patient is needed will be conducted with their
consent.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
The researcher needs to check the following to assess the condition of the patient:
1. Age
2. Duration
5. Previous history
6. Associated symptoms
7. Precipitating factors
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9. Falls
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RESULTS
According to the symptoms described by the patient, the type of headache she experienced
was Migraine Headache with Aura. Because the patient was easily irritated by her officemate's
loud chatter, which is a sign of phonophobia; also, the patient's headache occurs for about 5 hours
and only on the left side of his head; and lastly, the patient squints in the headlight, indicating that
CONCLUSION
Headaches are a common type of pain experienced by humans all over the world, it can be
classified into two types: primary and secondary. It has four types which are sinus, migraine,
cluster, and tension. There are many risk factors involving this disorder that can cause headaches
and start to show symptoms. The easiest and most convenient way to relieve headaches is a pain
reliever or much better the doctor's prescription medicine to the patient. The data was obtained
through an interview and the patient wants to keep her identity hidden throughout the study.
According to the symptoms presented in the case and different methods of data collection, it can
be concluded that the patient may be experiencing a Migraine Headache and showcase
RECOMMENDATIONS
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
The researchers recommend the following to manage and prevent the headaches of the patient:
• Pharmacologic
• Over-the-counter medications
1. Paracetamol - is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high
It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) - is used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
b. Prescription medications
3. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) - is a triptan used in the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or
• Nonpharmacologic
3. Moderate exercise three to five times each week for 30 minutes will help reduce stress.
LITERATURE CITED
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D. C., Pozo-Rosich, P., Jensen, R. H., Diener, H. C., & Lipton, R. B. (2021). Tension-type
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2e%20headache%20disorders,lymphocytic%20hypophysitis%3B%20or%20intracranial
%20neoplasm.
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Jafari, E. (2022). Headache attributed to cranial and/or cervical vascular disorder. Science Direct.
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Obermann, M., Holle, D., Naegel, S., & Diener, H. C. Headache attributable to nonvascular
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