The typical picture is of a sudden severe throbbing pain, often at the back of the head, which settles down to a dull ache lasting up to 6 hours. It is probably linked to changes in blood pressure and blood vessels in the brain during exercise. Simple pain relief is usually all that is needed. A third type of exercise headache is called cervicogenic headache and this is linked to problems in the muscles, joints and nerve structures of the spine in the neck. The symptoms include episodes of blurred vision.
Treatment is aimed at resolving the cervical spine problems.
More serious causes Headache during or after exercise may occasionally be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an abnormality of blood vessels in the brain, a brain haemorrhage or a brain tumour. These are rare but extra effort may be needed to rule these out in some cases. 29 September 2000 Visit our extensive Ask the Doctor library of all previously asked questions and answers covering a wide range of topics. Full A to Z listing Category listing Keyword Search using the box on the right . The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.