Exercise causing headaches

I’ve began exercising again 3 months since operation (clipping of ruptured aneurysm). It’s believed I’m to make a full recovery and I already feel so however I get a headache from exercising that doesn’t go away. It feels like dull pressure all around my head and is not specifically near my aneurysm. Has anyone else had a similar experience or know what this could be?

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Welcome Chief! I’m going to sound like a broken record…are you staying hydrated and eating enough protein?

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Thanks Moltroub - glad I found the place there’s more helpful information here than anywhere else online I’ve found!

Thank you for your reply. I’ve been told the importance of staying hydrated so I understand why you’d mention it. Unfortunately even after consuming much more water regularly it hasn’t stopped the headaches from occurring. I trained a lot harder before the rupture/surgery (and drank less water than I do now) as an amateur boxer and have never experienced these headaches before.

I worry I may have another rupture on the way when these headaches come over me. Though I’ve seen on here we all seem to get that feeling and it’s very off putting. I feel like giving up exercise altogether

If your doctor has cleared you to exercise, please don’t stop. It took me many, many months to get to that point. Our brains take an enormous amount of protein (to me). The dietician that came to ICU told me at least 90 grams a day. Clear it with your doctor. I had troubles eating that amount so I used a protein shake and bar that had 30 g each. Watch the amount of NSAIDs you take as they can cause secondary headaches per my Neurologist.

After each angiogram and coiling, I had to drink three bottles of Gatorade plus twice that in water as well as the 90 grams of protein for many months. That’s just an idea of what I needed to do for intake. Go on the patient portal and ask your triage RN about the headaches, hydration and protein. If the RN isn’t sure about the exact amounts, ask for them to speak to the dietician or have the dietician contact you.

Not sure what rules your Doc gave you about headaches, mine is and was, stiff neck, vomiting, splitting headache. You will learn the difference. It takes time, please be patient.

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Thanks a lot for your time and reply. Oh yes those were certainly the symptoms I experienced when mine ruptured. I find some solace in the fact the headaches I’m getting aren’t entirely the same as the one I had during the rupture.

I’ll be sure to mention protein intake to my consultant when I see him now. I’m from England and I’m not sure how the corona virus is affecting other countries in regards to medical treatment but I’ve had 2 follow up appointments cancelled or postponed since my surgery and have been told I will get a call from an expert that day only for them never to call. I’ve got a ton of questions and worries regarding my head and can’t find any help from the NHS at the moment

I was told by my Dr. to cut my work out in half. Meaning not to push myself. Goals are different now.

Write your questions down so when you are seen, you will have them readily available. If the consultant has missed their call, call the facility and ask why. My guess is that this is as new to them as it is to us. Don’t want to see you fall through the cracks. Be nice and supportive to them, it will get you faster results. Something like “I understand how difficult and odd this must be for all of you…but I was wondering why the call never came, is there something I can do to help? I have a patient portal for almost all of my doctors, it’s an easy way to ask a question in an email.

I’m in USA, North Carolina. Most of my Specialist appointments were cancelled. The dermatologist is doing telemedicine, the GI is wanting to do telemedicine which will be great as she is a little over an hour drive. Had to be seen in person when the adhesive of a bandaid ripped the skin off down to the subcutaneous fat layer. They are having patients wear a mask and wait outside until the nurse comes out for you. The ophthalmologist is only seeing emergencies. Gasoline (petrol) went down to prices in the 1970’s, we bought stock lol, and now they are quickly going skyward as the State reopens. But the good thing is I don’t see my Neurosurgeon until November! After 3 coilings for the one rupture, I finally made it to the “see you in two years” mark. We finally figured out that the heart med I was on was probably working against my brain. Although odd at first, it was a reason to celebrate.

I am always experience a headeches after exercise that described at the first post. Especially if it’s a little hot wheather.

Glad to hear that you are recovering. You might not like what I am to say. I know it used to drive me nuts. But you are only three months out. There could still be blood that is trying to work its way out of your head. Plus, when you exercise, the blood is pumping at a higher rate. I know when I am working out (though it is difficult now without gyms) I get a little light headed. Drinking water and making sure that I take my medications timely is important. I think the best advice to give right now is to be a little patient. If at six months out you are still experiencing the headaches, talk with both your neurologist and your PCP. Good luck!

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Hi Chief!

Sorry I haven’t replied sooner. I also get a pressure in my head when I workout and my doctor believes it’s my blood pressure that causes the sensation. I’ve been able to mitigate it by taking rest times between excersies. I take 2-3 mins breaks between sets or circuits. I have found this works for me. I also wear a smart watch that has a blood pressure reader* in it and alarms me if my blood pressure gets too high. I would suggest talking to your doctor about workout strategies based on what he thinks would work with your case.

I see that you are a boxer! In January, I took up boxing excersies (drills, heavy bag, two way bag drills) and it has helped with my depression, frustration, coordination and my memory. A friend of mine who studied neuroplacisity as part of her vocation and degree, told me sports like fencing, dance and non-contact Martial Arts are really good for brain recovery.

Keep working hard at your recovery,
Bertie

*I calibrate my smart watch blood pressure reader to my traditional blood pressure machine once every two week as pre my doctors orders.

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I know I posted about hydration and water yesterday; however, I think it’s important for this topic as well. On Friday, Dr. Madira Aseem, Radiology resident at WFBH, shared with me that hydration is very important to keep your blood pressure equalized. So whether it’s up or down, hydration will help tremendously. I hope I spelled her first name correctly.

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This sounds like a headache from increased blood pressure, and yes, I only started getting those after my cerebral artery implant. It could also be brain bleeding if you are still on anticoagulants of any kind.

See a doctor and don’t induce headaches until you get this figured out. That is my advice.