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Migraine red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsMigraine red flagsGPhC CRA

A 52-year-old woman with migraine asks to buy sumatriptan. She describes new headache with weakness in her left arm and slurred speech lasting 20 minutes this morning. Her BP is 172/96 mmHg. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: CRefer urgently for assessment of possible TIA or stroke

Focal neurological symptoms and new headache require urgent assessment for TIA, stroke or other serious pathology. Triptans are inappropriate where a vascular event is possible and in uncontrolled hypertension. The pharmacist should not treat this as routine migraine. Delayed or symptomatic treatment could miss a time-critical diagnosis.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF