The Differential Diagnosis of the Acute Headache Complaint
Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie Farley
Abstract
In acute settings, such as urgent care and emergency medicine, the headache complaint is one of the most common seen among patients, specifically the fifth most common complaint.1 Despite the commonality of the complaint, its workup is not as simple. Differentiating the headache complaint can be challenging in an acute setting and often results in a multitude of unnecessary tests and prolonged ED visits, subsequently also leading to increased medical costs. The associated signs and symptoms that present with the headache complaint often overlap within the various etiologies, making distinguishment of the true cause difficult to a further extent. It is also imperative to identify red flags to promptly treat truly emergent and possible fatal cases of headache in a timely fashion. The first step in amending this matter is to have an appropriate foundation of understanding regarding the various etiologies of headache and the distinguishing factors between its resembling pathologies. After this has been done, the proper subsequent steps can take place to result in adequate care of patients. In this article, a concise summary of the common causes of the headache complaint and their specific workups will be discussed to aid in swift differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Link to Presentation Video:
https://arcadia.zoom.us/rec/share/s7FjP4xFYYOfvfbcB4pCWSPsA201ycJ1-hHWk6YK5V-MuhDjv0p6zrqy6oz3jM6e.sb2DH_NpD9iVR9mY?startTime=1651178588000 Passcode: &Gd8YM
Recommended Citation
Semaie, Astear, "The Differential Diagnosis of the Acute Headache Complaint" (2022). Capstone Showcase. 104.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2022/pa/104
The Differential Diagnosis of the Acute Headache Complaint
In acute settings, such as urgent care and emergency medicine, the headache complaint is one of the most common seen among patients, specifically the fifth most common complaint.1 Despite the commonality of the complaint, its workup is not as simple. Differentiating the headache complaint can be challenging in an acute setting and often results in a multitude of unnecessary tests and prolonged ED visits, subsequently also leading to increased medical costs. The associated signs and symptoms that present with the headache complaint often overlap within the various etiologies, making distinguishment of the true cause difficult to a further extent. It is also imperative to identify red flags to promptly treat truly emergent and possible fatal cases of headache in a timely fashion. The first step in amending this matter is to have an appropriate foundation of understanding regarding the various etiologies of headache and the distinguishing factors between its resembling pathologies. After this has been done, the proper subsequent steps can take place to result in adequate care of patients. In this article, a concise summary of the common causes of the headache complaint and their specific workups will be discussed to aid in swift differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Link to Presentation Video:
https://arcadia.zoom.us/rec/share/s7FjP4xFYYOfvfbcB4pCWSPsA201ycJ1-hHWk6YK5V-MuhDjv0p6zrqy6oz3jM6e.sb2DH_NpD9iVR9mY?startTime=1651178588000 Passcode: &Gd8YM