Doc says affairs can lead to migraines

MILAN, Italy, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- An Italian researcher says illicit sex can lead to debilitating migraines and even death.

Lorenzo Pinessi, a neurologist with the Italian Migraine Society, said the headaches, which affect about 15 percent of Italy's population, occur mostly in men, the Italian new service ANSA reported Tuesday.

"'This type of headache can be exacerbated by a series of factors like aphrodisiac food, performance-enhancing drugs, physical strain and psychological stress caused by the need to keep the relationship secret,'' Pinessi told ANSA.

He said the headaches can last up to three hours and may lead to a cerebral aneurysm in 3-4 percent of cases.

Pinessi told ANSA the headache sufferers should take a time-out from the affair and have a brain scan.