WHAT IS IT? EXERCISE/EXERTIONAL HEADACHE
Exercise or benign exertional headache is a type of headache which is brought on specifically with exercise. It is vascular in nature.
Signs and symptoms
A headache which:
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Is triggered by exercise or exertion
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Affects both sides of the head
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Is throbbing in nature
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Varies in duration from minutes to all day
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​WHAT CAUSES IT?
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Exertion can increase blood pressure and cause dilatation of sinuses at the base of the brain. This results in pain.
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Activities such as running, lifting weights or participating in sport, which involve exertion and straining can trigger exertional headaches.
HOW TO SELF MANAGE
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To ascertain that the headaches are in fact benign and exertional in nature, a review by your GP is recommended.
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Once confirmed it would be wise to avoid aggravating activities
PROGNOSIS
Long term it may be necessary to refrain from aggravating activities
Your GP may be able to prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms you experience.
HOW PHYSIO HELPS?
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Your physiotherapist should take a thorough subjective history to determine the type of headache you are experiencing
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They will then exclude other causes for your headache
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With GP confirmation, they can then observe the activity which triggers the exertional headaches and offer advice in reducing strain associated with the activity.
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