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Exertion Headache

blank space

For a while I've been getting migraines and I think they now link to exertion headache as after I'm active like walking my head is throbbing and squeezing, usually at the back but can be all over. It lasts for a while most of the time but can be only a few minutes also sensitive to touch. I get a little giddy as well but that's about it no nausea or vomiting. I get it in the forehead as well which I'm sure is my migraine and anxiety. They seem to go together unfortunately.

I was wondering if anyone else here gets this?

And if you do what do you do to alleviate this? 

I mostly lay in bed and watch a movie and eventually it passes. 

  • I posted this link on another discussion today and noticed this section about headaches:

    https://www.potsuk.org/about-pots/symptoms/

    Headaches 

    Approximately 30% of those with PoTS have orthostatic headaches, which means they occur as a result of being upright and may be caused by reduced blood supply to the brain. Many with PoTS also have migraine type headaches.

    Since your headaches appear to link to when you are upright and walking it may be worth looking further into POTS. I believe it is more common in autistic people.

  • in reply to Desmond79

    That's what my GP said originally.

    I don't think they like to say just in case they are wrong.

  • My stress headaches are ongoing.

    I asked my Doctor if they're migraines. He was inconclusive.

  • in reply to Iain

    Good point. I find breathing weird to be honest, I feel like I forget to breathe sometimes as at times I gasp for breath and my lungs hurt - usually this occurs when I'm anxious and outside my comfort zone.

  • in reply to Fantasy

    Sorry about your migraines. I'm glad you've found something that works for you.

    I'm hoping my GP can help me with this today as well.

    Just something to help will make a difference for me.

  • blank space said:
    For a while I've been getting migraines and I think they now link to exertion headache as after I'm active like walking my head is throbbing and squeezing,

    The other posters here have talked about the most likely causes, but I thought it worth asking if you wear a mask when you are out or if you find yourself holding your breath a lot.

    These can reduce the oxygen flow to the brain resulting in headaches too, so if you are breathing freely then it won't be this, but I thought it worth checking.

  • I get migraines. Mine are chronic and affect me on a daily basis but are treated and managed well with medication. Rarely I have to go to hospital, mostly for pain management but it is rare and doesn't happen too often.

    Mine affects both sides of my head especially the top/back and my neck. There's also numbness in my face. Maybe flashes of light as well sometimes. Brightness and loud sounds make the migraines worse for me. I find staying in bed the best thing until the migraine passes. Walking is a big no for me, makes it much more worse. Finding a comfortable position is hard to rest my head, very often it hurts to touch.

    It's all about finding what works for you. 

    I hope your symptoms go soon. Definitely get yourself checked by the GP but it's unlikely to be anything like a tumour. Much more likely to be a migraine and the effects of anxiety. A bad combo but at least you're not the only one.

    Feel better soon.

  • in reply to Autonomistic

    Thanks but don't worry I'm well hydrated. Sometimes I think I'm over hydrated actually but it could just be anxiety. I do get a lot of anxiety which in turn causes a great deal of unwanted symptoms like tingling across my head and face.

    I used a cool flannel earlier and it did help ease this for me.

  • Perhaps I'm stating the obvious but are you staying sufficiently hydrated during and after exertion? Always take a bottle of water with you if you are going on a longer walk and also replenish fluids when you return home.

    The headaches I get are mainly tight band tension ones and one sided migraines. If I have a particularly stressful and noisy day I usually suffer for it over the next few days.

    I find relaxing in a quiet room with a cool flannel helps. Lavender gel on the forehead and temples is good for a tension headache.