Authors: Andrew Charlton / Editor: Mark Winstanley / Reviewer: Andrew Charlton / Codes: NeuP2, SLO12 / Published: 05/03/2022
A 29-year-old man from Afghanistan presented to the Emergency Department complaining of intermittent right-sided headaches for the last two years. The headaches are pulsatile in nature and radiate down the right side of his head. He does not describe any red flag symptoms. He was previously prescribed a medication to help with the headaches when he lived in Afghanistan but he cannot remember what this was called.
One of your colleagues sees the patient with the help of an interpreter and discusses the case with you. You are in agreement that the history and examination are consistent with a diagnosis of migraine. You suggest prescribing the patient some analgesia and suggest arranging primary care follow up. Your colleague asks if he needs to pay for his attendance and whether he can register with a GP because he is an immigrant and does not have permanent residency.
Module Content
Primary Headache
Acute, severe headache is a common symptom of patients presenting to the emergency department. In 90% of cases, the cause will be one of the primary headache syndromes.
Vulnerable Migrants
In this article I use the word "vulnerable" to imply an individual at risk for an enhanced need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect.
March 2019
March 2019 Podcast
7 Comments
Interesting case, useful informations.
Really surprised at this, but also very nice to know that the UK takes its part in looking after asylum seekers and refugees by not making them pay for services and that they can register with GP for treatment
Good recap.
Just realized GP and A&E is free of charge for everyone. Good to know.
Great
Useful information, many thanks
Hats off to the NHS, and the RCEM learning for raising our awareness.
good review