Exposure to a cold stimulus can trigger headache. This is relatively common in the general population.
The primary feature is the onset of a headache following an exposure to a cold stimulus. This may include cold weather, cold water, cold food such as ice cream or a cold drink.
The headache tends to have a short duration once the stimulus is stopped.
In severe cases the patient may avoid possible stimuli (avoidance behavior).
The chances of a headache in a person with a history of cold stimulus headache:may be higher if:
(1) the weather is hot
(2) the exposure is rapid
Physical urticaria are a related condition (see Chapter 22).
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