Headaches are among the lesser-known consequences of stroke.

About 10-15% of stroke survivors begin to experience new headaches shortly after a stroke.

Post-stroke headaches may fall into several headache categories.

Man rubbing in his head while having a headache

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Why Do Post-Stroke Headaches Occur?

After a stroke, it is not uncommon to develop new pain symptoms, often referred to aspost-stroke pain.

Headaches are similar to other types of post-stroke pain patterns, but they have their own unique characteristics.

The root source of post-stoke headaches is not completely understood and may be related to a number of causes.

Stroke-induced injury to sensory regions of the brain can trigger pain.

Alterations in the electrical activity of the brain after the damage of a stroke can lead to pain.

The changes in blood flow in the brain after a stroke can also produce pain, particularly head pain.

A Word From Verywell

Headaches may start for the first time after a stroke.

Most of the time, stroke-induced headaches are not a sign of a serious problem.

Typically, while you are having your stroke evaluation, your healthcare providers ordermedical testsand imaging studies.

If you are a stroke survivor, you may experience a number of bothersome symptoms.

2016 May;17(5):924-30. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnv019.