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Headaches related to sexual activity
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Headache during sexual activity can present in two forms: muscle contraction or vascular. Most cases are benign, with no underlying structural lesions found in this study of sexual headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Headache associated with sexual activity is uncommon.
- Two distinct types of sexual headache have been anecdotally reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically characterize headaches associated with sexual activity.
- To investigate potential underlying causes and long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Clinical interviews and histories were used to distinguish headache types.
- Neurological examinations and cerebral angiography were performed in select cases.
- Long-term follow-up was conducted for eighteen patients.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one patients reported headaches related to sexual activity.
- Two headache types were identified: muscle contraction-like and severe throbbing (vascular).
- No structural lesions were detected; follow-up showed no serious intracranial disorders.
Conclusions:
- A syndrome of benign sexual headache, analogous to exertional headache, is suggested.
- While rare, vascular causes should be considered in severe cases.
- Further investigation is warranted for persistent or concerning symptoms.