When you exercise, or exert yourself physically, the muscles of the head, neck and scalp need more blood to circulate. This causes the blood vessels to swell, which can lead to a condition called exertional headaches.
Headaches that most frequently occur due to exercise or over-exertion include jogger's headache and orgasmic headache (sex headache). While these may occur in isolation, they are most common in patients who have an inherited susceptibility to migraine (one or both parents have migraines).
It has been found that most exertional headaches are benign and respond to usual headache therapy. Some are particularly responsive to indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory agent. However, exertional headaches should be evaluated to exclude other medical causes.
References
- National Headache Foundation. Exertional Headaches. www.headaches.org/ Accessed 2/3/2012
- Goadsby P.J., Raskin N.H. (2012). Chapter 14. Headache. In D.L. Longo, A.S. Fauci, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, J.L. Jameson, J. Loscalzo (Eds), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e. Retrieved February 3, 2012 from www.accessmedicine.com/.
- UpToDate. Primary Exertional Headache. www.uptodate.com/ Accessed 2/3/2012
© Copyright 1995-2012 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
Can't find the health information you’re looking for?
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/1/2012...#5004
