Having Intense Headache Suddenly During A Bowel Movement. Could I Ask A Doctor?

Posted on Tue, 13 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 Answered on

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Twice in the last 2 days i have had an intense head ache come on suddenly during a bowl movement. This has never happed bffore

Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be due to BP surge if you have hypertension or may be due to an infection of covering of brain, migraine etc.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome to healthcare Magic!
The headache due to straining at motion may be due to a surge in BP if you have a high BP. Please get your Blood pressure, if raised get treatment prescribed.
Another important cause is viral infection of meanings the covering of brain. It also cause such headache. It is self limiting. You can use paracetamol as required for this.
If the headache persists beyond one week then you should get a neurologist referral and a CT brain and also CSF study also because rarely there may be serious diseases presenting merely as headache.
I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you.
Take Care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar