Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the PLAB Test with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Start studying today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a common prophylactic treatment for cluster headaches?

Topiramate
Verapamil
Fluoxetine
Gabapentin

The correct answer is: Verapamil

Verapamil is commonly used as a prophylactic treatment for cluster headaches due to its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks. It is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing vascular tone, which has been shown to provide relief for those suffering from cluster headaches. Its ability to stabilize the electrical activity of the nervous system also plays a role in managing this condition. While other medications can be employed for migraine prophylaxis or for neuropathic pain management, their roles in cluster headache management are not as well established. Topiramate is often used for preventing migraines but is not the first choice for cluster headaches. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that may help with mood disorders but does not specifically address the vascular aspect of cluster headaches. Gabapentin is effective for certain types of nerve pain but lacks robust evidence for cluster headache prevention. Because of verapamil's targeted action on the pathways involved in cluster headaches and its established use in clinical practice, it is recognized as a cornerstone in the prophylactic treatment of this condition.