What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to Antihypotensive Agent
• Headache due to Exogenous Acute Pressor Agent

What is Headache Attributed to Exogenous Acute Pressor Agent? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Exogenous Acute Pressor Agent is described as a form of headache that develops secondary to the use of medications for low blood pressure. The onset of the headache is during and due to an acute increase in blood pressure following administration of the medication
• The headache develops typically within 60 minutes of administration of the exogenous acute pressor agent, and a spontaneous resolution is noted within 3 days on stoppage of medication use
• Pressor agents are medications that are typically used to treat hypotension or low blood pressure. These are also known as antihypotensive drugs or vasopressors

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Exogenous Acute Pressor Agent as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• An acute rise in blood pressure has followed administration of an exogenous pressor agent
• Any headache fulfilling all the criterion below
• Evidence of causation demonstrated by both of the following:
  • Headache has developed within 1 hour of administration of the pressor agent
  • Headache has resolved within 72 hours after administration of the pressor agent has ceased
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)