

Core IM Podcast: 5 pearls on Headaches - Core IM | Internal Medicine | Medical Education | FOAMed | Family Medicine | Physician Assistant | Resident | Nurse Practitioner | Medical Student | Hospitalist | Primary Care
21 snips Oct 18, 2017
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Red Flags for Headaches
- Look for red flags like constitutional symptoms, new neurological signs, and headache triggers.
- These could indicate a secondary headache requiring imaging.
CT vs. MRI for Headaches
- Use CT scans for headaches in emergency settings to detect bleeding or acute strokes.
- Otherwise, opt for MRI, which offers greater sensitivity for mass lesions or vascular disease in primary care.
First-Line Migraine Treatment
- Treat mild to moderate migraines with NSAIDs like naproxen, which offers longer-lasting relief than ibuprofen.
- Avoid acetaminophen for acute migraine treatment due to its lack of proven effectiveness.