What are the criteria for a primary exertional headache?

The criteria for a primary exertional headache include specific characteristics that help to distinguish it from other types of headaches. The correct choice indicates that the headache occurs during or after exercise and requires at least two episodes. This is important because a diagnosis of primary exertional headache necessitates a pattern that can be consistently observed, making it more likely to be related to the exertional component rather than being a one-time occurrence or influenced by other factors.

Identification of at least two episodes helps to confirm that the headache is not isolated and is indeed triggered by physical activity. Additionally, the timing of the headache being during or after exercise ensures that it is closely linked to exertion, which is a key aspect of this type of headache. This aligns with recognized clinical guidelines for diagnosing exertional headaches, which stipulate that consistent patterns need to be present to establish a definitive diagnosis.

While the other possible answers touch on aspects of headache occurrence, they do not fulfill the necessary criteria for classification as a primary exertional headache. For instance, having only one episode does not provide sufficient evidence of a pattern, and headaches that occur only after exercise or last for prolonged periods are not specific to this type of headache. Therefore, the requirement for multiple instances occurring in relation to exercise is