The pathophysiology of a headache to has not been aattributed to a single diease. It is however divided into three components. Mainly, migraine, tension headache, and cluster headache. A migraine headache is believed to arise from activation and sensibilization of trigeminal nociceptors, essential processes are located at the meninges and the meningeal vessels (Gaul, MeBlinger, Holle-Lee, Neeb, 2017).
The exact cause of a tension headache is unknown; however, it is believed that pericranial myofascial mechanisms play a significant role in episodic tension-type headache, whereas chronic type headache results from sensitization of pain pathways in the central nervous system resulting from prolonged nociceptive stimuli from pericranial myofascial …show more content…
In addition, histamine release, an increase in mast cells, genetic factors, and autonomic nervous system activation may also contribute (Weaver-Agostoni, 2013).
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is believed to have essential importance concerning a migraine and cluster headache. In addition, mechanisms leading to peripheral and central sensitization plays a significant role in chronification of a migraine and tension-type headache (Gaul, MeBlinger, Holle-Lee, Neeb, 2017). Furthermore, the hypothalamus seems to have an essential meaning in the initiation of migraine attacks. Finally, dysbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural system causes cranial-autonomic symptoms in some headache diseases (Gaul, MeBlinger, Holle-Lee, Neeb, 2017)
b) What will your physical exam include?
Physical examination will include vital signs and general appearance (eg, whether restless or calm in a dark room). A general examination with a focus on the head and neck and a full neurological exam should be assessed. The neurological examination involves the patient’s speed, symmetry, and coordination while moving to the examining table, as well as, posture and gait (Newman,
The exact cause of a tension headache is unknown; however, it is believed that pericranial myofascial mechanisms play a significant role in episodic tension-type headache, whereas chronic type headache results from sensitization of pain pathways in the central nervous system resulting from prolonged nociceptive stimuli from pericranial myofascial …show more content…
In addition, histamine release, an increase in mast cells, genetic factors, and autonomic nervous system activation may also contribute (Weaver-Agostoni, 2013).
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is believed to have essential importance concerning a migraine and cluster headache. In addition, mechanisms leading to peripheral and central sensitization plays a significant role in chronification of a migraine and tension-type headache (Gaul, MeBlinger, Holle-Lee, Neeb, 2017). Furthermore, the hypothalamus seems to have an essential meaning in the initiation of migraine attacks. Finally, dysbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural system causes cranial-autonomic symptoms in some headache diseases (Gaul, MeBlinger, Holle-Lee, Neeb, 2017)
b) What will your physical exam include?
Physical examination will include vital signs and general appearance (eg, whether restless or calm in a dark room). A general examination with a focus on the head and neck and a full neurological exam should be assessed. The neurological examination involves the patient’s speed, symmetry, and coordination while moving to the examining table, as well as, posture and gait (Newman,