A 50 year old female with headache | Figure 1

A 50 Year Old Female with Headache

A 50-year-old female presents with a headache that began the previous afternoon while driving and had gradually worsened. The pain was throbbing in nature and unilateral (left side). There was mild photophobia and nausea, with no other associated symptoms or constitutional features. It was scored as severe but she had only taken paracetamol; previous headaches had responded well to cocodamol.

The patient was afebrile, there was no nuchal rigidity, and she generally presented as quite well with unremarkable vital signs. CNS findings showed no abnormalities and other neurological assessments were grossly intact. There was no recent trauma.

Relevant PMH: The patient has a history of migraines that are usually frontal and preceded by a visual aura. No previous surgeries.

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Summary of Insight

This case presents a typical scenario for the diagnosis of migraine disorders and emphasizes the need to gather complete clinical data, particularly in patients with a known history of headaches. Understanding the patient's prior interventions and responses can significantly aid in formulating a comprehensive management plan.