Abstract
Headache only triggered by coughing is a rather uncommon condition. The aim of the present review is to present an overview of the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology and treatment of both primary and symptomatic cough headache and discuss other relevant headache disorders affected by coughing. The diagnosis of primary cough headache is made when headache is brought on and occurs only in association with coughing, straining or a Valsalva manoeuvre and in the absence of any abnormalities on neuro-imaging. In case an underlying pathology is identified as a cause of the headache, the diagnosis of symptomatic cough headache is made. The vast majority of these patients present with a Chiari malformation type I. Other frequently reported causes include miscellaneous posterior fossa pathology, carotid or vertebrobasilar disease and cerebral aneurysms. Consequently, diagnostic neuroimaging is key in the diagnosis of cough-related headache and guides treatment. Besides primary and symptomatic cough headache, several other both primary and secondary headache disorders exist where coughing acts as a trigger or aggravator of headache symptomatology.
Highlights
Headache only triggered by coughing is a rather uncommon condition
Cough headache was considered as an alarm symptom, until both Symonds and Rooke reported cases of benign cough headache, known as primary cough headache [5,6]
About 400 cases of primary and 300 cases of symptomatic cough headache have been described in literature
Summary
The aim of the present review is to present an overview of the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology and treatment of both primary and symptomatic cough headache and discuss other relevant headache disorders affected by coughing. In case an underlying pathology is identified as a cause of the headache, the diagnosis of symptomatic cough headache is made. Review Cough triggering headache is an uncommon finding. It is characterized as headache triggered by rapid increases in intra-abdominal pressure, caused by coughing, sneezing or straining. Cough headache can be further subdivided into primary and symptomatic cough headache It has first been described in medical literature in 1932 by Tinel [4]. About 400 cases of primary and 300 cases of symptomatic cough headache have been described in literature.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
