Do I Have Exercise Headaches?

Do you have a headache that occurs during or after strenuous exercise?

Do you have a sudden onset of pulsating pain that can be felt on both sides of your head?

Do you have a headache that lasts from 5 minutes to 48 hours?

Do you have a headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sound or light?

Do you have a headache that lasts for at least a day to a few days?

Do you have a headache accompanied by double vision or neck rigidity?

Have you noticed that you often have a headache if you exercise in hot weather?

Have you noticed that you often have a headache if you exercise in high altitude?

Do you have a personal or a family history of migraines?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have exercise headaches. Exercise headache is a type of headache that occurs after intense physical activities, such as running, lifting weights, swimming or playing basketball or tennis. They can also be provoked by intense coughing or sneezing or sexual activity. Exercise headaches are also known as exertional headaches. About 10 percent of the general population experience exercise headaches, but they are more common in men than in women. Some environmental factors, such as hot weather or high altitude can contribute to this type of headaches. Also, consuming alcohol and caffeine before exercise increases the risk of exertional headaches.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have exercise headaches. Exercise headaches or exertional headaches are a specific type of headache triggered by vigorous physical activity. There are two types of exercise headaches: primary and secondary. Primary exercise headaches are completely harmless and are not associated with any underlying disorder. They usually last from a few minutes to 48 hours and can be easily prevented. Secondary exercise headaches are usually caused by some serious underlining problem and can last for several days. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms and various imaging tests to rule out some serious issues (e.g. brain tumor or brain hemorrhage).

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have exercise headaches. Exercise headaches are a type of headache that occurs only during or after strenuous physical exercise. Exercise headaches are usually felt on both sides of your head. They are often described as throbbing headaches. In most people with primary exercise headaches, a headache last 3 to 6 months and then disappear completely. People who suffer from migraine are at high risk of exercise headaches. Exercise headaches that are not caused by another disease can be alleviated by changing the way you exercise (warm-up exercises before intense activity) or by taking medication (beta blockers, indomethacin).