OUCH(UK) Organisation for the Understanding of Cluster Headache

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Consider Primary Exertional Headache

Primary Exertional Headache

This type of headache is triggered by and occurs only during or after sustained physical exertion. It is pulsating in quality and can last from as little as five minutes to 48 hours.

Primary exertional headache (PEH) is more typical in younger people (10 years to 50 years) and is more common in men and boys.

Headache usually occurs at the peak of physical activity and generally subsides as the activity ceases, but can continue thereafter. The pain is normally felt on both sides of the head but can also be one-sided, and can also be associated with feeling sick, being sick, and over sensitivity to light and sound.

The symptoms of PEH can occur with other types of headache, so a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan of the brain is often recommended as a good screening investigation to help rule out any possible secondary causes.

If this brief description does not match your headache type, go to Section 2 – Q.1

Treatment

The most useful treatment for primary exertional headache (PEH) is moderating or abstaining from physical exercise. However, preventative anti-migraine medication can work, including beta-blockers or indomethacin.

Acute therapy, immediately before any planned physical activity, can be an alternative for some sufferers, including ergotamine or triptans.


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