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Published on: June 2, 2014
Ponytail headache: a pure extracranial headache.
1The City of London Migraine Clinic, UK.
Headache
|May 19, 2004
Summary
Ponytail headaches are common in females and caused by tight hairstyles. Loosening the ponytail relieves the pain, suggesting a simple preventative measure for this extracranial headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Headaches associated with hairstyles, particularly ponytails, are frequently experienced by females.
- This type of headache is often not reported in medical literature due to its perceived obvious cause and simple remedy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of headaches caused by wearing ponytails.
- To explore the potential mechanisms and preventative strategies for ponytail-induced headaches.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted involving 93 females who regularly wore ponytails.
- Participants reported the location, intensity, and duration of headaches experienced while wearing ponytails.
Main Results:
- Fifty of the 93 females (53.8%) reported experiencing headaches from wearing ponytails.
- Pain distribution varied, with some experiencing localized pain at the hair tie site and others reporting pain extending to the forehead, vertex, temples, or neck.
- Loosening the ponytail provided prompt pain relief for most affected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Ponytail headaches are a common, preventable extracranial headache caused by pericranial muscle fascia and tendon traction.
- Understanding ponytail headaches can offer insights into the mechanisms of tension-type headaches.
- Further research into extracranial headaches is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
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