A primary cough headache is brought on by coughing, straining or another Valsalva-like manoeuvre (e.g., pinching your nose and breathing out to relieve pressure in the ears). It has a sudden onset, and generally fades either immediately or in a few minutes after the provoking movement. Some people may experience a mild headache for up to two hours. Most cough headaches can be explained by other intracranial disorders, making primary cough headache an uncommon diagnosis.
