Orgasmic migraine aura: Report of two cases

Cephalalgia. 2019 Jan;39(1):153-156. doi: 10.1177/0333102418771373. Epub 2018 Apr 22.

Abstract

Background: Paroxysmal neurological symptoms occurring with sex cause considerable anxiety and sometimes have a serious cause. Thunderclap headache is the most well-known and requires urgent investigation at first presentation for subarachnoid haemorrhage and other significant pathologies. After exclusion of underlying causes, many prove to be primary headache associated with sexual activity. Orgasmic migraine aura without headache is not currently recognised as a clinical entity.

Case reports: We report two patients with acephalgic orgasmic neurological symptoms fulfilling the criteria for migraine aura.

Conclusions: The incidence of acephalgic orgasmic migraine aura is unknown. It should be considered as part of the differential of paroxysmal sex-related neurological symptoms, and clinically differentiated from fixed deficits, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and post-orgasmic illness syndrome.

Keywords: Migraine; migraine with aura; orgasmic migraine; post-orgasmic illness syndrome; primary headache associated with sexual activity; reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine with Aura / etiology
  • Orgasm*
  • Young Adult