Exertion Headache Symptoms: Its Causes And How To Prevent It?

Exertion Headache Symptoms: Its Causes And How To Prevent It? . Exertion headaches as the name suggest is pain in head which is induced by any form of strenuous physical work. This form of headache is sudden, throbbing and pulsating and may be triggered by any vigorous activity such as running, weightlifting, swimming or even sexual intercourse.

A typical exertion induced headache may remain from 5 minutes to two days, after which it subsides on its own. At least 10 percent of people suffering from headache are known to have exertion headache. In few people this type of headache may be mild and with minor treatment it gets relieved.

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But for few others, it is an intense headache causing interference in their daily work.

There are two types of exertion headaches, primary and secondary. Primary type is also known as benign headache. Secondary exertion headache are associated with an underlying problem, some of them are serious.

What Causes Exertion Headaches?

Medical professionals are still unable to understand the exact cause of primary exertion headache. It is been assumed to be due to dilatation of blood vessels of brain after exercise which irritates the meninges. The primary benign exertion headache usually occurs in younger age groups; usually in people between 20 to 40 years.

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Men are more affected than women. Many of them may have a family history of migraine. It is likely to strike suddenly in hot weather and at high altitudes. Also alcohol and caffeine intake before doing intense physical exercise may precipitate the episode.

Secondary exertion headaches usually occur due to an underlying medical condition, mostly involving brain. A tumor in brain, aneurism of artery in brain, coronary artery disease etc can trigger exercise induced headache. A sinus infection may also be responsible for such type of headache. Such patients always need an immediate medical attention.

Exertion headache can be triggered by activities like running, swimming, lifting weight, sexual intercourse, etc. It usually occurs when the abdominal muscles are strained or pressure on chest. Therefore even coughing and straining during bowel movement may produce an episode of exercise induced headache.

Symptoms Of Exertion Headaches

Exertion headache occurs during or soon after doing intense physical work. The pain is sudden in onset and mild to severe. It is pulsating headache. Pain is on both sides of head, but sometimes it is also unilateral. It usually lasts from 5 minutes to 2 days. The other accompanying features are vomiting, and nausea in primary exercise induced headache. It remain for a limited period of time, from 3 to 6 six months.

Secondary exertion headache may have underlying cause such as a tumor in brain or coronary artery disease, internal bleeding in brain etc. It is sudden in onset and severe. Patient complains of severe exploding pain in head.

The pain is bilateral. It is accompanied with vomiting, rigidity in neck, visual disturbances, and sudden syncope attacks. The duration and intensity if long as compared to primary exercise headache. Secondary headaches usually occur in people over the age of 50.

How To Prevent Headaches From Exertion?

Exertion headaches can be prevented by following certain simple methods, especially the primary exercise headaches. They can be treated with medications as well. Secondary exercise induced headaches require emergency treatment as the underlying cause is sometimes life threatening.

Preventive measures:

• Warm up: If you have history of suffering from exertion headaches, always do warm up before you proceed for exercise.
• Remain hydrated: Drink enough water before doing exercise. It keeps you hydrated and prevents exertion headache in case if you are prone to it.
• Avoid hot weather: Avoid doing exercise in hot weather.
• High altitude: Avoid exercising at high altitude if you have previously suffered from exertion headache.
• Breath holding: Avoid holding your breath while you are doing exercise, for example while weight lifting.
• By taking certain NSAID’s before doing exercise, it is possible to prevent and control exertion headaches. These drugs should be taken only after consulting the physician as they have many side effects.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks before doing strenuous exercise.