headache durring running

[tirumala]

some times i get a headache while running on the treadmill and my face starts to get red but goes away when i stop excercising.  do i need to see a doctor? should it be a cardiologist or a sports medicine doctor?  my blood pressure is usually on the lowerside.  what should i do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Headaches triggered by any form of exercise are known as exertional or exercise headaches. Strenuous activities such as running and lifting weights are common culprits.

Exercise headaches have no underlying cause other than exertion. But sometimes headaches after exercise can be due to bleeding in the brain.

If the headache disappears within a few hours after exertion and you have no other neurological signs or symptoms, diagnostic tests may not be needed.But if you have thunderslap headaches or headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting or persistent headache for a few hrs after exercising then it needs evaluation.

Just keep yourself well hydrated after exercising and pls do moderate exercising and stretching exercises before running on the treadmill.You can also use anti inflammatories like indomethacin and ibuprofen.If the symptoms persist then pls consult a physician and get yourself evaluated for migraine or bleeding in the brain.
Hope it helps.Take care and regards.