Primary Exercise Headache in a Physically Active Individual: A Case Report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59856/arch.soc.chil.med.deporte.v71i1.123

Keywords:

Cefalea por esfuerzo físico, Cefalea primaria, Deportistas, Ejercicio

Abstract

Introduction: Primary exercise headache (PEH) is a condition that is likely underdiagnosed in sports medicine, characterized by headache episodes triggered exclusively during or following strenuous physical exercise.

Objective: To report a case of PEH and review the relevant diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Methodology: Case report of a 27-year-old female presenting with headache induced by resistance exercise.

Discussion: The patient presented with an occipital pulsating headache triggered specifically by intense exercise, with normal neuroimaging studies. Management with prophylactic indomethacin and training adjustments led to the complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion: PEH requires a high index of suspicion and a stepped diagnostic approach to rule out secondary causes before establishing specific treatment.

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References

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Published

08/04/2026

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How to Cite

1.
Primary Exercise Headache in a Physically Active Individual: A Case Report. Revista Archivos SOCHMEDEP [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 4 [cited 2026 Aug. 14];71(1):19-23. Available from: https://revistasochmedep.cl/index.php/Revista/article/view/123

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