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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffPrimary cough headaches
- Begin suddenly with and just after coughing or other types of straining
- Typically last a few seconds to a few minutes — some can last up to 30 minutes
- Cause sharp, stabbing or splitting pain
- Usually affect both sides of your head and are typically most pronounced in the back of your head
- Can be followed by a dull, aching pain for several hours
Secondary cough headaches
Secondary cough headaches often have similar symptoms as primary cough headaches, though they may last up to days, rather than minutes. In order to rule out secondary cough headache, further testing, such as brain imaging, is necessary.
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you experience sudden headaches after coughing — especially if the headaches are frequent or severe or you have any other neurological signs or symptoms, such as imbalance or blurred or double vision.
- Cutrer FM. Primary cough headache. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 5, 2009.
- Pasqual J. Other primary headaches. Neurologic Clinics. 2009;27:557.
- Chiari malformation fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm. Accessed Dec. 6, 2009.
- Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm#142883138. Accessed Dec. 7, 2009.
- Bartleson JD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 30, 2009.
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