Station 50
Amanda Walsh
Age: 16 years old female
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Amanda Walsh, 16-year-old female.
Opening Statement (if asked “How can I help?”): “I’ve been having really bad headaches for the past couple of months, and I’m not sure what’s causing them.”
Information to Volunteer (when asked relevant questions):
You’ve been getting right-sided, throbbing headaches that are worsened by light exposure. They’ve been happening for the past 2 months, and each episode lasts 2 to 3 days. You typically get them once a week, and they’re affecting your ability to concentrate as you’re currently studying for A levels. You think stress might be contributing.
You do not get any aura symptoms such as visual disturbances (zigzag lines, flashing lights), or sensory changes (numbness, tingling). You have no blurry vision or weakness in any part of the body.
You’ve had migraines in the past and were previously prescribed a nasal spray that helped. At the moment, you take paracetamol and ibuprofen when the headaches occur, they help reduce the intensity. You don’t take ibuprofen all the time because you don’t like taking tablets unless necessary.
You started Microgynon for contraception about 3 months ago, and you recall the headaches started about 2 weeks after starting the pill.
Social History: You’re currently sexually active, in a monogamous relationship with your 16-year-old classmate. You do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and have no history of drug use.
Ideas: You suspect the headaches might be caused by stress
Concerns: The frequency of the headaches is increasing and it’s starting to worry you
Expectations: You’d like the GP to help you understand the cause of the headaches and advise whether anything needs to be done
Say NO to any other questions asked outside of the details already provided in the scenario. Accept anything offered to you by the doctor.