In the previous episode, various causes of sex headache were discussed. Now, let us see the diagnosis, management, and treatment.
Diagnosis: Usually, the brain imaging is recommended as a first line. A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can help to detect any underlying causes for that headache. During the MRI exam, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the structures within the brain. In some cases, computerized tomography (CT), especially if the headache occurred less than 48 to 72 hours beforehand, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain may be done. CT uses an X-ray unit that rotates around the body and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and head. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computerized tomography (CT) angiography tests to visualize the blood vessels leading to and inside the brain and neck.
Angiograms
The consultant may also order a cerebral angiogram, a test that can show the neck and brain arteries. This procedure involves threading a thin, flexible tube through a blood vessel, usually starting in the groin, to an artery in the neck. Contrast material is injected into the tube to allow an X-ray machine to create an image of the arteries in the neck and brain. A contrast material (or agent/medium) is a special substance, often iodine or barium-based, used in medical imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound) to temporarily enhance the visibility of internal body structures like blood vessels, organs, or the (GI) gastro intestinal tract, making them “pop” or appear brighter and denser against surrounding tissues, which helps doctors to make diagnose of conditions by highlighting abnormalities. It works by altering how imaging tools interact with the body, not by permanently colouring the organs. The contrast material is given orally, rectally, or via injection.
Spinal tap
Sometimes a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is needed as well, especially if the headache started abruptly and very recently, and brain imaging is normal. With this procedure, the treating physician removes a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (CSF). The fluid sample can show if there’s bleeding or an infection. CSF analysis (Cerebrospinal Fluid analysis) is a diagnostic test using a spinal tap to examine the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, helping diagnose infections (meningitis), bleeding (subarachnoid haemorrhage), and tumours by checking cell counts, protein, glucose, and other markers, offering crucial insights into central nervous system disorders. Including the Inflammatory conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be identified. It is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system (CNS), damaging the myelin sheath around nerve fibres, disrupting brain-body communication, and causing diverse neurological issues like numbness, weakness, vision loss, and cognitive problems. This inflammation, driven by immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, leads to demyelination and nerve damage, affecting movement, sensation, and overall function, though symptoms vary widely. The various diagnostic test like Brain CT scan, Brain management resonance imaging, CT scan, Lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and MRI, may be essential at times in coming to a conclusive diagnosis of sex headache.
Management
The treatments for sex headaches include immediate pain relief, in addition to daily or occasional preventive medications. In some cases, reducing sexual activity after a scientific counselling session. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help; however, daily beta-blockers (like propranolol) for frequent headaches or occasional anti-inflammatory drugs (like indomethacin), or triptans taken before sex to prevent them. Triptans are a class of prescription migraine medications that work by mimicking serotonin and are also proven beneficial in sex headaches. They work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain signals in the brain to stop pain attacks, and are effective for the acute treatment of migraines as well as sometimes cluster headaches. Available in various forms like pills, nasal sprays, and injections, common examples include Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, and Zolmitriptan, serving as a first-line treatment when standard painkillers fail. It is crucial to see a doctor to rule out serious underlying causes, especially for new or severe headaches. In some cases, your first sex headache may also be your only one. Some sex headaches improve rapidly, so the pain is gone before any pain reliever can work.
Preventive medications
If there is a history of sex headaches without any underlying cause, the treating consultant may recommend taking preventive medications regularly, which may include daily medications. Beta blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal, InnoTrans XL) or metoprolol (Lopressor, Topol-XL, are used to treat high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and migraines, but conversely may be taken daily to prevent sex headaches. They’re recommended only when the attacks are frequent or prolonged. A calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil hydrochloride, which is also used to treat high blood pressure, is another optional drug. In people who have a history of migraine, other migraine preventive medications may be used. Drugs like Indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory, or one of the triptans, a class of anti-migraine medications, can be taken an hour before sex to prevent headaches. It is a prophylactic is a medication or a treatment designed and used to prevent sex headaches.
In conclusio,n the headache that is during sexual activity is a curse for some people, as sexual activity, which can range from intercourse to various forms of physical intimacy for procreation or pleasure. Human sexuality, encompassing attraction, behaviour, and pleasure, when accompanied by a headache one should not be discouraged in the light of many options to get rid of it.
