Aircraft headache is a disorder that occurs exclusively during flight. Landing is the most risky moment for the appearance of the attack, but it is not excluded that it may occur even during takeoff, cruising or landing.
Airborne headache manifests itself with sudden pain, stabbing (or pulsating) and strong intensity . The headache is unilateral and is usually localized at the level of the fronto-orbital and parietal region. The attacks are rather short and do not exceed 30 minutes, so they spontaneously improve upon landing. Only in some cases, a mild headache may persist for several hours.
Headache is not associated with nausea and other vegetative symptoms typical of migraine attack, such as vomiting, hypersensitivity to light or noise. In some cases, however, there are local manifestations (tearing, redness of the eyes and nasal congestion) that resemble those of the cluster headache .
Airborne headaches may occur sporadically or chronically. Taking an analgesic before departure or just before landing could reduce the intensity of the pain or even prevent it from appearing.
