Orgasmic headache treated with nimodipine

J Sex Med. 2013 Jul;10(7):1893-6. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12093. Epub 2013 Feb 19.

Abstract

Introduction: Orgasmic headache (OH) is a sudden and severe headache that occurs at the time of or shortly after an orgasm. AIM.: We present the case of typical primary headache associated with sexual activity, especially during an orgasmic period.

Methods: A 34-year-old man complained of sudden and severe headache during sexual activity, or orgasmic period, for 2 months. The headache developed abruptly with an orgasm and then decreased shortly over a period of 4 ≈ 8 hours.

Results: Magnetic resonance angiography revealed severe spasm of the M1 segment of both the middle cerebral arteries. He was treated with oral nimodipine (30 mg every 8 hours), which alleviated the headache and prevented its recurrence.

Conclusions: We postulated a pathophysiological relationship between OH and migraine, especially with respect to vasoconstriction, and believe that in such cases, nimodipine may be an effective therapy.

Keywords: Headache; Nimodipine; Post-Orgasm Illness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiopathology
  • Headache / drug therapy*
  • Headache / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology*
  • Nimodipine / therapeutic use*
  • Orgasm / physiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasoconstriction

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Nimodipine