Headache in challenging and special circumstances: Pregnancy and lactation
Ezgi Yılmaz1
, Işın Ünal Çevik2
1Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
2Department of Neurology, Pain Unit, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
Keywords: primary headaches, migraine, red flags, secondary headaches, diagnosis, treatment
Abstract
Headache has special importance during pregnancy and postpartum period. The health-care professionals and patients report headache management as challenging during pregnancy and lactation period. Cautions are recommended in preganancy and lactation due to maternal and fetal/newborn risks. Most headaches in the first trimester are due primary headaches. Nevertheless, the incidence of secondary headaches increase in the last trimester and post-partum period. Red flags prompt early evaluation in a patient with headache. Assessment of headache patient requires a detailed history of the headache characteristics and performing appropriate examinations. Approach to headache and strategies to promote best practice in preganancy and lactation will be reviewed.