Question

which of the following are red flags for all headaches?
○ a. new onset after age 50
○ b. seizures
○ c. worsening headaches
○ d. altered loc
○ e. all the above
○ f. b, c and d only

Explanation:

• New onset after age 50: A new - onset headache in an older adult (age 50 and above) is concerning as it may be associated with more serious underlying pathologies such as giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Seizures: Headache associated with seizures can be a sign of an intracranial lesion (such as a tumor, vascular malformation, or area of cortical irritability from previous stroke or trauma).
• Worsening headaches: A headache that is getting progressively worse over time may indicate a mass - effect (e.g., tumor growth, subdural hematoma expansion) or a worsening of a vascular condition (such as an enlarging aneurysm).
• Altered LOC (Level of Consciousness): Altered consciousness along with headache is a very serious sign. It can be due to increased intracranial pressure (from conditions like hydrocephalus, brain tumor, or intracranial hemorrhage) which can compress brain tissue and affect its function.

Answer:

E. All the above