exertion headaches. - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

buck58 · 01-31-2003, 04:12 PM

Does anyone know anything about exertion headaches? Anytime I've laughed or even talked more than usual, I get headaches that start and will last the rest of the day if left untreated. I also usually wake up with a headache alot of the time also. I usually get a headache on a daily basis one way or another. I also suffer migraine headaches 2-3 times a month that are quite debilitating though Maxalt usually takes care of those. It's these "daily" ones that have me concerned most! What do you guys think? Buck.

dovajorth · 02-14-2003, 10:27 AM

I have exertional headaches all the time. Usually caused by laughing, talking a lot, strainig while having a b.m., or coughing. Mine don't last more than a minute or two. I also get migraines every month or two.

I know my exertional headaches are caused by a Chiari I malformation (enlarged cerebellar tonsils at the base of the brain, causing the brain to extend into the opening at the base of the skull). With Chiari, flow of cerebrospinal fluid is slowed or occasionally clogged by the brain pushing into the hole at the base of the skull. This intra-cranial pressure causes the headaches.

A cervical-spinal MRI (not a brain MRI) can detect if you have Chiari.

Hope this helps.

Doug