Philadelphia Distance Run News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS

Runners and other athletes could be in for one major headache if they exert themselves too much.

Exertion (and potentially dehydration) in sports such as running may trigger migraine or tension type headaches, explains Noah Rosen, M.D. of the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. While regular stretching and exercise typically help prevent headaches, there are some headaches that can be triggered by intense physical activity and sport.

“Exacerbation by movement is part of the definition of migraine,” said Dr. Rosen. “Additionally, there are rare, sudden onset, severe headaches-- often called “thunderclap” headaches, which may occur during vigorous exercise or sexual activity. These may represent bleeding in the head and should be recognized immediately for care.”

Dr. Rosen will talk about the warning signs and treatments, including medications, for this type of migraine at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run Health Expo. He is one of several medical and health experts from Jefferson Hospital speaking that day at the expo, as well as Olympic marathon runner Jen Rhines. Ms. Rhines is fresh from competing in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

The expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the following day at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott hotel, 1201 Market St. The two-day expo is being held in connection with the 27th annual running of the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 8 a.m.

For more information about the race and expo, go to www.philadistancerun.org.