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Primary Exertional Headache: Updates in the Literature

  • Uncommon Headache Syndromes (J Ailani, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Primary exertional headache (PEH) has been recognized by the International Headache Society as a primary headache diagnosis since 1994. It is an uncommon, self-limited, and short-lasting disorder that is precipitated by exertion and is frequently comorbid with migraine. PEH shares a number of features with other headache disorders, including thunderclap headache, primary cough headache, and headache associated with sexual activity. Upon its initial occurrence, PEH requires a thorough neurologic evaluation and imaging studies to help eliminate possible underlying secondary causes, including subarachnoid hemorrhage and sentinel bleed. Although PEH is incompletely understood with regard to its epidemiology and pathophysiology, it is generally considered to be a benign disorder that is self-limited and responsive to trigger avoidance and indomethacin.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Rashmi B. Halker reported no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. Bert B. Vargas reported no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA

    Rashmi B. Halker & Bert B. Vargas

Authors
  1. Rashmi B. Halker
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  2. Bert B. Vargas
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Correspondence to Rashmi B. Halker.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Uncommon Headache Syndromes

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Halker, R.B., Vargas, B.B. Primary Exertional Headache: Updates in the Literature. Curr Pain Headache Rep 17, 337 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0337-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0337-8

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