Pathophysiology Practice Questions Related

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In which patient would the manifestation of a headache be a sign of a serious underlying disorder?

  • A. A 55-year-old man with new onset of headaches that are worse at night and reported mood swings according to his family
  • B. A 30-year-old woman with a unilateral throbbing headache with photophobia and nausea
  • C. A 60-year-old man with his head feeling full and throbbing and muscle aching around his neck and shoulders
  • D. A 40-year-old woman who experiences food cravings, gets irritable, and then develops a pulsatile-like headache on the right side of her head
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. New onset headaches in older adults, especially if worse at night, may indicate a serious condition like a brain tumor. Choice B describes symptoms commonly seen in migraines. Choice C describes tension-type headaches. Choice D describes symptoms of a menstrual migraine which is not typically associated with a serious underlying disorder.