Which of the following clients is most likely to be diagnosed with migraine headaches?

• A. A 30-year-old woman who reports recurrent, throbbing headaches accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light
• B. A 60-year-old woman who describes brief, stabbing pain on one side of her face triggered by touching her cheek
• C. A 45-year-old man who experiences dull, constant pain in his neck and shoulders after physical activity
• D. A 22-year-old student who has occasional mild headaches relieved by over-the-counter pain medication

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key characteristics of migraine headaches. Migraines are typically recurrent, throbbing headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
2. Step 2: Review each client's description and identify symptoms that match the typical migraine profile. Look for recurrent, throbbing pain and associated symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity.
3. Step 3: Compare the 30-year-old woman's symptoms: recurrent, throbbing headaches with nausea and sensitivity to light, which align closely with migraine criteria.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the other clients' symptoms: brief stabbing pain (likely neuralgia), dull constant pain after activity (likely musculoskeletal), and occasional mild headaches relieved by medication (less characteristic of migraines).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the client whose symptoms best fit the migraine profile is the 30-year-old woman with recurrent throbbing headaches accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.