Aeroplane travel, while often exciting, can sometimes bring unexpected discomforts, including headaches. These aren’t just any headaches; they are a recognized condition known as “Headache attributed to aeroplane travel”. This specific type of headache is directly linked to flying and has distinct characteristics.
What is Aeroplane Headache?
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), Aeroplane Headache is defined as a headache occurring during and caused by aeroplane travel, which typically remits after landing. It’s often described as severe, usually on one side of the head (unilateral), and located around the eye (periocular).
The diagnostic criteria for Aeroplane Headache include:
- Experiencing at least two episodes of this headache during air travel.
- The headache developing specifically while travelling by aeroplane.
- Evidence suggesting the flight as the cause, such as the headache worsening during ascent after take-off or descent before landing, and improving within 30 minutes of completing ascent or descent.
- The headache being severe and possessing at least two of these features: unilateral location, orbitofrontal location, and a jabbing or stabbing quality.
- Ruling out other headache diagnoses as a better explanation.
While typically unilateral, the side of the headache can shift between different flights in about 10% of cases, and it may spread to the parietal area. Though often described as jabbing or stabbing, some individuals may also experience throbbing. It’s important to exclude sinus issues as a potential cause for these headaches.
Symptoms and Associated Features
Aeroplane Headache is primarily characterized by its intense pain and specific location. While autonomic symptoms like tearing are usually absent, some accompanying symptoms have been reported in up to 30% of cases. Restlessness and unilateral tearing are the most frequent, while nausea or sensitivity to light and sound (photo/phonophobia) are less common, occurring in fewer than 5% of cases.
Potential Causes of Aeroplane Headache
Research suggests that Aeroplane Headaches are likely related to pressure changes experienced during air travel. A proportion of people who experience these headaches during flights also report similar headaches during activities like free snorkelling or rapid descent from mountains. This points towards an imbalance between the air pressure within the sinuses and the external air pressure as a potential trigger. The rapid changes in cabin pressure during ascent and descent are thought to be the key factors leading to these travel-related headaches.
Navigating Aeroplane Headaches
If you suspect you are experiencing Aeroplane Headache, understanding its characteristics is the first step. While usually short-lived, resolving after landing, it can be quite severe during the flight. If you frequently experience headaches related to Travel Aeroplane, consulting with a healthcare professional can be beneficial to rule out other conditions and discuss potential management strategies. Being aware of this specific type of headache can help air travellers better understand and address this uncomfortable travel companion.
