A 32-year-old woman reports a throbbing, unilateral headache with photophobia and nausea. Which type of headache is most consistent with her symptoms?

• A. Transient ischemic attack.
• B. Tension headache.
• C. Migraine.
• D. Bell's palsy.

Answer: (C)

Migraines are typically described as unilateral, throbbing headaches accompanied by photophobia and nausea. This combination of pain quality (throbbing), location (usually one side), and associated symptoms (sensitivity to light and nausea) fits migraine best. A transient ischemic attack would present with sudden focal neurologic deficits rather than a throbbing headache with sensory symptoms. Tension-type headaches are usually bilateral, pressing or tightening in quality, and not strongly associated with photophobia and nausea. Bell’s palsy involves facial nerve weakness rather than a headache pattern. So the described symptoms align most closely with migraine.