Exertional Headache

Abstract

In brief: Exertional headache is an acute headache of short duration brought on by some forms of activity. It is usually considered benign. Neurological and radiological studies on a limited number of college students with this complaint failed to reveal any abnormalities. Reducing the stressful activity seems to be beneficial, and a simple prostaglandin inhibitor is currently recommended for relief of pain. Physicians should consider the possibility of preexisting abnormalities in patients whose symptoms persist.