Vascular headache explained

Vascular headache
Field:	Neurology

A vascular headache is an outdated term to describe certain types of headache which were thought to be related to blood vessel swelling and hyperemia as cause of pain.

There is no doubt that some headaches are caused by vascular effects. However, it is no longer a recognized term and not mentioned in the Headache classification of the International Headache society (IHS),^[1] although it is still used by some physicians and still mentioned in some medical classification systems. There are many types of vascular headaches. Other types of vascular headaches include headaches produced by fever, cluster headaches, and headaches from a rise in blood pressure (OSU Wexner Medical Center, 2012).Headaches that were described as being vascular headaches include:

• Cluster headache
• Migraine^[2]
• Toxic headache

Notes and References

1. Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society . Cephalalgia . 8 . 1–96 . 1988 . Suppl 7 . 3048700 . 10.1111/j.1468-2982.1991.tb00018.x.
2. Web site: Headaches - danger signs. Mount Sinai. 26 January 2023. 2023. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.