Description:
Headache caused by intake of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, resolving spontaneously within 72 hours.
Diagnostic criteria:
A. Any headache fulfilling criterion C
B. A single dose of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor has been taken
C. Evidence of causation demonstrated by all of the following:
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1. headache has developed within 5 hr of intake of the PDE inhibitor
2. headache has resolved within 72 hr of onset
3. headache has at least one of the following four characteristics:
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a) bilateral
b) mild to moderate intensity
c) pulsating quality
d) aggravated by physical activity
D. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.
Comment:
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that break down cGMP and cAMP. The PDE-5 inhibitors, sildenafil and dipyridamole, increase levels of cGMP and/or cAMP. The resultant headache usually has the characteristics of tension-type headache, but in people with 1. Migraine (who should be warned of this side effect) it has the characteristics of 1.1 Migraine without aura.