A case of exercise-induced headache: A complication caused by Pilates
A 42-year-old British woman complained of a severe headache an hour after she attended a Pilates class.
Headache: How it Started
During the Pilates class, while performing a specific manoeuvre, the woman felt a “pop” on the left side of her neck. However, she ignored this as there was no physical sign of any injury.
An hour after the class, her head began to hurt severely, which was only relieved from lying down and consuming caffeinated drinks.
Trapezius Muscle Injury
After the intensity of her headaches worsened, she reported to a hospital, where the doctors diagnosed her with a trapezius muscle injury. The doctors prescribed her opiates (painkillers) and muscle relaxants. However, her pain did not get relieved by these medications.
Diagnosis
After weeks of visiting numerous doctors, the lady ended up in Kings College Hospital, London. The doctors there performed a CT and MRI scan to identify the underlying cause of her headaches.
The tests confirmed a spinal cord tear in her neck, due to which the cerebrospinal fluid was leaking and causing the headache.
“Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that flows between the brain and its outer covering, and between the spinal cord and its outer covering. DURA COVERS BOTH OF THESE STRUCTURES. This fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord and helps clear metabolic waste from the brain. However, sometimes holes can emerge in the dura,”
DR. AMBER LUONG, AN OTOLARYNGOLOGIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER IN HOUSTON.
Treatment
The doctors admitted the patient and treated her conservatively. They discharged her after two weeks. She had no further complications.
“ Spontaneous leaks due to high pressure in the skull are more common in women and people who are overweight.”
DR. AMBER LUONG
