Warning Signs for Coital Cephalalgia

Diagnostic Evaluation

• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that "red flags" requiring immediate investigation include the first or worst headache of life, which may indicate a serious underlying condition 1
• Warning signs that require emergency evaluation include headache that persists beyond 24 hours, accompanying neurological deficits, neck stiffness or fever, first occurrence in patients over 40 years old, and headache that awakens patient from sleep 1
• Neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, etc. should be immediately investigated, as they may indicate a secondary cause of coital cephalalgia 1