Exercise Headaches

Exercise headache generally occurs during or after arduous exercise. Exercise headaches are associated with activities such as running, swimming, weightlifting and tennis.

There are two types of exercise headaches:

Primary exercise headaches are harmless and are not associated with any underlying problems. This can often be prevented without medication. The cause for primary exercise headaches is unknown.

Secondary exercise headaches are caused by more serious problems within the brain such as a tumor, bleeding, or even problems such as coronary heart disease.

Causes of Exercise Headache

The cause for a primary exercise headache is unknown. But, there is a theory that explains that strenuous exercise dilates blood vessels inside the skull.

A secondary headache on the other hand is caused by other underlying problems such as:

• Sinusitis
• Reduced blood flow in the arteries
• Cancerous or noncancerous tumors
• Abnormalities in the blood vessels leading to or present within the brain
• Obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage- bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin membranes that cover the brain

Symptoms of Primary Exercise Headache

A primary exercise headache is characterized by throbbing that occurs after a strenuous workout, and affects both sides of the brain. This can last for about 5 to 48 minutes.

Symptoms of Secondary Exercise Headache

A secondary exercise headache lasts for at least a day and sometimes remains for several days longer. It is characterized by similar symptoms of a primary exercise headache as well as:

• Vomiting
• Double vision
• Rigidity of the neck
• Loss of consciousness

Prevention

Exercise headaches often tend to occur either when you're exercising at high altitudes or when the weather is hot and humid. Individuals who are prone to exercise headaches should avoid exercising in such conditions. On the other hand, some individuals may experience exercise headaches in the midst of a performance. Keep in mind that a warm up prior to strenuous exercise may help in preventing exercise headaches.