Cough headache: primary
Evidence-based neurology checklist on cough headache: primary: Clinical features This is a headache brought on by Valsalva manoeuvre The onset is usually after the age of 40 years: the average age is 67 years Males account for >70% of cases The headache is sharp and stabbing It is bilateral in…
Clinical features
- This is a headache brought on by Valsalva manoeuvre
- The onset is usually after the age of 40 years: the average age is 67 years
- Males account for >70% of cases
- The headache is sharp and stabbing
- It is bilateral in more than 90% of cases
- Episodes last one second to 30 minutes
- Nausea, vomiting and photophobia are rare
- There are no abnormalities on brain imaging
Other triggers
Treatment
References
- Cordenier A, De Hertogh W, De Keyser J, Versijpt J. Headache associated with cough: a review. J Headache Pain. 2013; 14:42.
- Pascual J, Iglesias F, Oterino A, Vasquez-Barquero A, Berciano J. Cough, retinal, and sexual headaches: an analysis of 72 benign and symptomatic cases. Neurology 1996; 46:1520-1524.
- Pascual J, Gonzalez-Mandly A, Martin R, Oterino A. Headaches precipitated by cough, prolonged exercise or sexual activity: a prospective etiological and clinical study. J Headache Pain 2008; 9:259–266.
- Chen PK, Fuh JL, Wang SJ. Cough headache: a study of 83 consecutive patients. Cephalalgia 2009; 29:1079–1085.
