When coughing causes a headache, it is often due to a sudden increase in pressure inside the head and neck triggered by the force of coughing. This condition is called a "cough headache." There are two main types of cough headaches:
- Primary cough headaches, which are usually harmless, brief, and triggered only by coughing, sneezing, or straining. The headache pain is often sharp or stabbing and may last seconds to a few minutes.
- Secondary cough headaches, which may signal an underlying medical condition like increased intracranial pressure, Chiari malformation, or issues in the brain's structure. These headaches tend to be more severe, longer-lasting, and may have additional symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or neurological signs.
The headache results from the abrupt increase in intracranial pressure caused by coughing, which can activate pain receptors in the brain. In some cases, existing headache disorders like migraines or tension headaches can be worsened by coughing. If the headache when coughing is severe, persistent, accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or vision changes, or new and worsening, medical evaluation is important to rule out underlying causes. In summary, coughing can cause headaches due to pressure changes in the head, and while often harmless and brief, persistent or severe cough headaches warrant medical assessment.
