skip to main content

Migraine — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateNeurology and neurodevelopmentMigraineMRCPCH FOP

An 11-year-old girl has recurrent unilateral throbbing headaches with nausea and photophobia. Episodes last four hours, examination is normal and her mother has similar headaches. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: CMigraine without aura

Recurrent throbbing headache with nausea, photophobia, normal examination and family history is most consistent with migraine. Raised intracranial pressure is suggested by early morning vomiting, papilloedema or progressive neurological signs. Tension-type headache is usually bilateral and pressing rather than throbbing with photophobia. The pearl is that a normal neurological examination supports primary headache but red flags must be actively sought.

Reference: NICE CKS Headache; RCPCH Progress syllabus