Headaches arising during or from exercise fall into two broad categories. Primary-exercise headaches arise as a result of the exercise itself. These may be prevented with medication and are usually harmless. Secondary-exercise headaches, however, are caused by an underlying medical condition and in some instances may indicate a serious brain problem. Consult your doctor for medical advice if you experience headaches during exercise.
Types of Exercise
According to MayoClinic.com, certain types of exercise are more likely than others to cause headaches. Weight lifting, swimming, running, tennis and rowing are most commonly identified as a cause of exercise-related headaches. The more strenuous the exercise, the greater its potential to cause you a headache. Additionally, exercising for a long period of time without a break is more likely to cause headaches.
Symptoms/Warning
Primary-exercise headaches are most commonly experienced as a throbbing pain that is first noticed during or immediately following a period of strenuous exercise. Typically, primary-exercise headaches affect both sides of the head. Secondary-exercise headaches may cause similar symptoms as primary-exercise headaches, in addition to double vision, rigidity in the neck, vomiting or a loss of consciousness. Primary-exercise headaches, which may last from a few minutes to two days, are usually shorter than secondary-exercise headaches, which usually last at least one day and may continue for several. If you suspect a secondary-exercise headache, seek immediate medical attention.
Causes
As at February 2011, it is not fully understood what causes exercise-induced headaches. A dilation of blood vessels inside your skull may cause primary-exercise headaches, reports MayoClinic.com. Secondary exercise headaches can be caused by a range of underlying problems, including hemorrhage, blood vessel abnormalities, tumors, reduced arterial blood flow or a sinus infection, according to the National Headache Foundation. Environmental factors associated with exercise, such as extreme heat, cold or dehydration, can also potentially cause headaches. If you have a family history of migraine, exercise may trigger a migraine headache.
Prevention/Solution
In order to reduce the likelihood of developing headaches during exercise, keep yourself cool and well hydrated. Consider breaking your strenuous exercise into several shorter workouts throughout the day, taking breaks in between. Exercising at high altitude carries a higher risk of causing exercise headaches. Ensure you have a long warm-up period before any strenuous exercise, and consider lower-impact forms of exercise. Biking or walking, for example, may be less likely to cause headaches than running or jogging.
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