Migraine Headache — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Unilateral throbbing + photophobia
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Migraine Headache on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Unilateral throbbing/pulsating pain
- Aura: flashing lights, zigzags
- Photophobia + phonophobia + N/V
- Stress, hormones, missed meals
- Tyramine: aged cheese, wine, MSG
- Abortive: triptans (sumatriptan)
- Prophylaxis: beta-blockers, topiramate
- Triptans: hold if CAD/uncontrolled HTN
- Quiet, dark room, rest
- Treat early → at aura onset
- Cool cloth to forehead
✨Quick Tip
Pain is typically unilateral, pulsating/throbbing, and worsened by physical activity, lasting 4 to 72 hours.
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