If you get a terrible headache whenever you exercise or rush around, it could be due to a number of reasons, which are mostly harmless. These are what's commonly known as ‘benign’ causes, which means that they are just unpleasant, and not dangerous. However, in rare instances, headaches that follow exertion might have serious underlying reasons. Thus, if it is a major cause of worry for you, see your doctor.
Effort Migraines
An effort migraine is a type of headache that commonly occurs in people who exercise a lot and engage in sports. Those who experience this type of headache often had a migraine in the past, so they may recognize familiar warning signs, like flashing lights before the headache begins. An effort migraine typically lasts between four and six hours.
An effort migraine is believed to be caused by the rise in body temperature after intense exercise or activity. A high body temperature may dilate the blood vessels in the brain and make them press on the nerves, bringing about the headache.
To relieve effort migraine, the usual medications for migraine can be effective, particularly the preventative ones. It also helps trying not to get too hot to lower your chances of getting a headache as well as taking a dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications like ibuprofen before exercising.
Exertional Headaches
Exertional headaches are a type of headache that affects one in every 100 people, and is believed to be caused by the increase in blood pressure and subsequent increased pressure in the brain's blood vessels after exercising. An exertional headache is often manifested by the onset of a sudden, intense throbbing pain at the back of the head. An exertional headache can last for six hours, during which time the headache becomes a background ache. Exertional headaches can be easily controlled by over-the-counter painkillers.
Benign Coital Headaches
Benign coital headache is a type of exertional headache that manifests regularly during or after intercourse. Because of the nature of this headache, people who experience this type of headache are embarrassed to see their doctor for treatment.
Some individuals will experience a severe and intense headache during sex. This type of headache is unusual and needs to be treated as an emergency case. Thus, if you tend to experience benign coital headaches, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that is linked to exercise. This headache arises from disorders in the cervical spine, with symptoms that usually include blurred vision. The problem can be traced to the muscles, joints or nerves. To prevent further headaches from occurring, neck problems need to be treated.
Signs that You Should Consult Your Doctor
Getting a headache while exercising could indicate a more troublesome condition, but it is rather rare if this happens. To know if it is time to see a doctor, you should have the following symptoms:
- A headache that starts suddenly from nowhere
- A headache that gets worse in the next few days
- Any type of recent head injury
- A type of headache that you never experienced before
- A headache with symptoms that you are not familiar with
- Constant pain on one side of the head
- Waking up either at night or in the morning with pain
- A stiff neck
- Numbness or tingling in any part of your body
For more help on the prevention, treatment and remedies for migraines please see the Complete Guide To Migraine Headaches.
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