A 24-year-old lady with episodes of throbbing headaches usually after gym; most appropriate diagnosis?

A 24-year-old lady with episodes of throbbing headaches usually after gym; most appropriate diagnosis?

• A. Migraine
• B. Tension headache
• C. Cluster headache
• D. Sinus headache

Answer: (A)

A throbbing, exertion-triggered headache in a young woman is most consistent with migraine. Migraines often present as recurrent unilateral pulsating headaches of moderate to severe intensity that are worsened by physical activity, and they frequently occur in young women. They may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, which helps distinguish them from other headaches. Tension-type headaches are usually bilateral, a dull, pressing or tightening pain, and are not typically aggravated by exercise. Cluster headaches are extremely severe, unilateral around the eye with autonomic symptoms, and occur in short-lived clusters, more common in men. Sinus headaches involve facial pressure with nasal symptoms and are not characteristically pulsating or specifically provoked by exertion.

A throbbing, exertion-triggered headache in a young woman is most consistent with migraine. Migraines often present as recurrent unilateral pulsating headaches of moderate to severe intensity that are worsened by physical activity, and they frequently occur in young women. They may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, which helps distinguish them from other headaches.

Tension-type headaches are usually bilateral, a dull, pressing or tightening pain, and are not typically aggravated by exercise. Cluster headaches are extremely severe, unilateral around the eye with autonomic symptoms, and occur in short-lived clusters, more common in men. Sinus headaches involve facial pressure with nasal symptoms and are not characteristically pulsating or specifically provoked by exertion.