Exertional headaches with multiple triggers

Vascular headaches may occur in up to 20% of the population aged 17-40. One subgroup, exertional headaches, has many specific and nonspecific clinical presentations. Knowing the background events preceding the headache and the exact circumstances of the headache can help make a specific diagnosis. Three cases are presented to illustrate the diversity of triggers and their effect on aeromedical decision-making. The headaches are presented within the recently revised nomenclature for head and facial pain by the Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.