Suggest Treatment For Pain In Head And Severe Cough

Posted on Sat, 23 Jan 2016

Question: I had a severe coughing spell 2 weeks ago followed by and extreme pain in my head. I know I should have gone to the ER but I was working and have continued to do so because I own a store and it has been the holiday season! The pain has gradually decreased over time but is still there. I am not having stroke symptoms, I AM taking aspirin for the pain but I am wondering if I need a cat scan or something. Can anything be done?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Increased intracranial pressure related headaches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Headaches that rise after severe coughing are a common condition and are usually related to brain tissue being under tension by changes in the intracranial pressure (increased, decreased due to Valsalva maneuver).

These kind of headaches have a general spreading ( include all the head) and get worse after each cough episode.

They improve as the cough settle down.

If any abnormal type of headache is still present after the coughing improved, at least a check up by your primary care Doctor is needed.

So, if the headaches improved, you should wait and see few more days.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (19 hours later)

Thank you. Is this true even tho' this is localized to one side of my head (left)? Also - I have Prinzmetal's Angina. Could this be related?

xxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

It is more probably for headaches to be caused by severe cough, even in one side, than to be caused by Prinzmetal's angina.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee