Vascular Headache

Vascular headache is headache attributed to intracranial or extracranial vascular mechanisms, including migraine, cluster headache, and headache from ischemia/subarachnoid hemorrhage/giant-cell arteritis. Clinical: varies by cause; thunderclap headache suggests subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment: treat the underlying cause (emergency workup for thunderclap/giant-cell arteritis), plus symptomatic analgesics; vascular imaging when indicated.

Common Symptoms

Throbbing headache; may be thunderclap; associated vascular symptoms; depends on cause

Causes and Pathogenesis

Vascular dilation/ischemia/inflammation of intracranial/extracranial vessels produces headache.

Treatment

Treat underlying cause (emergency workup for thunderclap/GCA); symptomatic analgesics; vascular imaging

Preventive Measures

Control vascular risk; urgent evaluation for thunderclap headache.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.