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Headache Disorders

Coiatal headache

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December 31, 2023 3 min read

Clinical Characteristics of Headaches Related to Sexual Activity

These headaches can be primary or secondary to a serious condition. They are often bilateral and located in the occipital or diffuse areas. Importantly, subarachnoid hemorrhage must be ruled out using head CT and lumbar puncture.

Treatment Approaches

For acute therapy of recurrent headaches associated with sexual activity, triptans like sumatriptan or zolmitriptan are advised. Preventive measures include indomethacin taken before sexual activity or daily propranolol.

References

  1. Johns DR. Benign sexual headache within a family. Arch Neurol 1986; 43:1158.
  2. Porter M, Jankovic J. Benign coital cephalalgia. Arch Neurol 1981; 38:710.
  3. Martinez JM, et al. Complicated coital cephalalgia. Cephalalgia 1988; 8:265.
  4. Raskin NH. Short-lived head pains. Neurol Clin 1997; 15:143. Frese A, et al. Headache associated with sexual activity. Cephalalgia 2007; 27:1265.
  5. Frese A, et al. Triptans in orgasmic headache. Cephalalgia 2006; 26:1458.