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Migraine red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsMigraine red flagsGPhC CRA

A 43-year-old woman asks to buy sumatriptan tablets for migraine. She describes unilateral throbbing headache with nausea and photophobia, but today the headache started suddenly at maximum intensity while exercising. Her blood pressure is 168/102mmHg. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: Ado not supply sumatriptan and refer urgently for assessment

Sudden thunderclap onset during exertion is a red flag and requires urgent assessment for serious intracranial pathology. The raised blood pressure also makes triptan supply unsuitable without review. Sumatriptan is appropriate only where migraine diagnosis and contraindication screening support safe supply. Opioids and ergotamine combinations are not appropriate counter-management.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS: Headache