External Compression Headaches

Headache is a complex disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache, most often unilateral and in some cases associated with visual or sensory symptoms-collectively known as an aura-that arise most often before the head pain but that may occur during or afterward. The mechanisms of headache remain incompletely understood. However, new technologies have allowed formulation of current concepts that may explain parts of the migraine syndrome. External compression headaches can occur when anything worn on your head puts continuous pressure on your forehead or scalp. They're most often experienced by athletes who use helmets, eye protection or both for sports. External compression headaches are also sometimes known by names that come from the type of equipment causing the headache, such as "swim-goggle headache" or "football-helmet headache." Other common causes of external compression headaches include tightfitting hats and headbands. With external compression headaches, the solution is as obvious as the cause. Simply remove the headwear causing the pressure.

The pain of external compression headaches is often described as moderate, constant pressure. It hurts most in the area where the object is pressing on your head. As long as the headwear is in place, the pain may get progressively worse. The best way to end headache, is to remove the headwear that's causing the pressure. Further treatment is rarely needed. If you have a history of migraines, wearing tight headwear may trigger an attack that requires migraine medication for relief.

External Compression headaches accounts for 64% of severe headaches in females and 43% of severe headaches in males. The prevalence of migraine appears to be lower among African Americans and Asian Americans than among whites. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the worldwide prevalence of current migraine to be 10% and the lifetime prevalence to be 14%.