Cough Headache

Abstract

Abstract Headaches that occur with coughing, sneezing, straining, or exertion should prompt a search for lesions within the posterior fossa, craniocervical junction, or cerebrospinal fluid pathways. Primary cough headache is uncommon. Within seconds of coughing, sneezing, straining, or other Valsalva maneuvers, an immediate headache is experienced. Primary exercise headache occurs with exertional effort, as may occur during physical exercise such as running or other forms of cardio. The headache is of sudden onset and often bilateral in location, but unlike cough headache, the pain is often pulsatile and of longer duration. This chapter describes the typical presentation of the cough headache diagnosis as well as the related condition of primary exercise headache. The chapter outlines the workup that should be undertaken when patients present with cough headache, and it also shares treatment options.