Exercise headaches develop after vigorous physical activity. According to MayoClinic.com, these headaches are usually benign, and are categorized as primary exercise headaches. Headaches due to medical problems are called secondary headaches; in rare instances a secondary exercise headache can indicate a serious and even life-threatening medical condition. See your doctor to rule out dangerous diagnoses if you experience an exercise headache, particularly if you have never had one before. If you have a sudden, severe headache with a stiff neck, decreased consciousness or visual disturbances, seek emergency medical care.
Primary Headaches
Primary exercise headaches-- also called exertional headaches -- occur during or after sustained and vigorous exercise, such as running, tennis, basketball or lifting weights. The National Headache Foundation adds that exercise headaches can also be triggered by sexual intercourse. These headaches are thought to be caused by dilated blood vessels inside the skull. According to MayoClinic.com, exercising in heat, humidity or at high altitudes can increase the risk of primary exercise headaches. Primary exercise headaches are often described as throbbing, and usually affect both sides of the head. They can range in duration from 5 minutes to 48 hours.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches are caused by medical problems, such as sinus infections, benign or malignant tumors, a blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, reduced blood flow in the arteries and subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding between the brain and its membranous cover. The average age of a person experiencing a secondary headache is 42. MayoClinic.com states that symptoms of secondary headache include throbbing pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness, a stiff neck and double vision. Secondary headaches last for at least a day and can persist for several days. Clinical Neurology News Network states that other causes of secondary headache include migraine, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anabolic steroid use.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Cerebral aneurysms -- one of the causes of subarachnoid hemorrhages -- can be life-threatening emergencies. Other causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage are head injury, a bleeding disorder, the use of blood thinners or malformed arteries leading to or within the brain. According to Medline Plus, the main symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe headache with a sudden onset; pain is often worse near the back of the skull and may begin with a sudden snapping or popping sensation in the head. Other symptoms include decreased consciousness, confusion, neck and shoulder aches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizure, double vision or blind spots. Pupils may appear to be of different sizes, and eyelids may droop. Seek emergency medical attention at once if you have symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Treatment of Secondary Headaches
The treatment of secondary headaches depends on what is causing them. If the secondary headache is due to a migraine, it can be treated like any other migraine; if sinusitis is responsible, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the headache is due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the situation is much more drastic and may call for aggressive medical treatment. Medline Plus says that doctors may need to use life support measures, place a draining tube in the brain, or perform surgery to repair the cause of the bleeding. They will attempt to strictly control blood pressure and may give medications to prevent or treat seizures.
Treatment of Primary Exercise Headaches
To treat a benign primary exercise headache, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medications or indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory. He may advise you to take over-the-counter medications for pain, warm up before working out and avoid exercising in heat and high humidity. MayoClinic.com notes that primary headaches may be prevented by taking medications before exercising; consult your doctor for tips and techniques to help ward off primary headaches.
