AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is indicative of a migraine?

1. Sharp pain in both temples

2. Throbbing pain primarily on one side

3. Consistent pain across the forehead

4. Pain that diminishes with movement

The correct answer is: Throbbing pain primarily on one side

The presence of throbbing pain primarily on one side is a hallmark characteristic of migraines. Migraines are often unilateral, meaning they predominantly affect one side of the head, though they can occur bilaterally in some cases. The type of pain associated with migraines can also be described as a pulsing or throbbing sensation, distinguishing it from other types of headaches. Other symptoms that frequently accompany a migraine include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura, which may involve visual disturbances. This particular presentation of pain is crucial for diagnosing a migraine and differentiating it from tension-type headaches or cluster headaches, which have different pain characteristics and symptoms. In contrast, symptoms like sharp pain in both temples or consistent pain across the forehead typically describe tension-type headaches, which have a different etiology and treatment considerations. The notion of pain that diminishes with movement would generally indicate a headache that is likely not a migraine, as movement often exacerbates migraine symptoms.