Overview

External compression headaches can occur when something worn on your head puts continuous pressure on your forehead or scalp. They often occur in people required to wear certain headwear, such as helmets or goggles, for their work or sports activities.

Sometimes an external compression headache is called "swim-goggle headache" or "football-helmet headache" or another name that refers to the equipment causing the headache.

People likely to get external compression headaches include construction workers, people in the military, police officers and athletes. People who wear tight hats and headbands also might get this type of headache.

The solution to an external compression headache is as obvious as the cause. Simply remove the headwear causing the pressure.