Which of the following is NOT listed as a red flag for secondary headache disorders?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT listed as a red flag for secondary headache disorders?

Red flags for secondary headaches are features that suggest a dangerous or urgent underlying cause, such as infection, bleeding, mass effect, or systemic disease. Nasal congestion by itself does not point to these serious conditions and is a common, benign clue seen with things like allergies or sinus irritation. In contrast, systemic symptoms like fever or weight loss can signal infection or malignancy; neurological findings such as focal weakness, new numbness, speech or vision changes suggest brain involvement; and onset that is abrupt or thunderclap in nature raises concern for subarachnoid hemorrhage or other acute vascular events. Because of that, the presence of nasal congestion alone does not constitute a red flag, whereas the other features do and warrant urgent evaluation.

Red flags for secondary headaches are features that suggest a dangerous or urgent underlying cause, such as infection, bleeding, mass effect, or systemic disease. Nasal congestion by itself does not point to these serious conditions and is a common, benign clue seen with things like allergies or sinus irritation. In contrast, systemic symptoms like fever or weight loss can signal infection or malignancy; neurological findings such as focal weakness, new numbness, speech or vision changes suggest brain involvement; and onset that is abrupt or thunderclap in nature raises concern for subarachnoid hemorrhage or other acute vascular events. Because of that, the presence of nasal congestion alone does not constitute a red flag, whereas the other features do and warrant urgent evaluation.

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