Title: Headache in the Bodybuilder <br/>Author: Danya Khoujah<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/739/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
Benign headaches are common in bodybuilders. However, several less benign headaches are worth noting:</p>
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Low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure headache: caused by a small dural tear mostly at the thoracic level. Similar to postdural headache. Treated by recumbency, and blood patches if recalcitrant.</li>
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)</li>
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Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage</li>
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Ischemic stroke</li>
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Dural sinus thrombosis</li>
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<strong><u>All except the first two are exclusively reported in patients on anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and/or “energy” supplements.</u></strong> Make sure to ask your patient about these risk factors.</p>
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<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
<p>
Busche K. Neurologic Disorders Associated with Weight lifting and Bodybuilding. Neurology Clinics. 26 (2008) 309–324</p>
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