Computer-generated headache. Brachiocephalgia at first byte.

Twenty-four women employed as computer operators were evaluated for complaints of occipital headaches, as well as neck and shoulder pain. Although the symptoms were highly variable with respect to duration, intensity and distribution, they were mutually consistent in that they started or intensified with the resumption of the work week. The patients varied in age from 25 to 58 with a median average of 48 years. Fifteen demonstrated radiographic evidence of cervical degenerative disc disease and in an additional four, electromyographic evidence of cervical root compromise was present. Multiple precipitating factors were identified in Monday's headache including the predisposing presence of unrecognized impairment of visual acuity in 4 and cervical radiculopathy in 16. Mechanically, prolonged postural cervical hyperextension frequently combined with repetitive head rotation appeared to trigger the discomfort complaints. Undue elevation of the CRT screen, prolonged copying of laterally displaced hard copy, the wearing of bifocals, as well as seating either excessively soft or with a tendency to pitch the operator forward were identified as additional aggravating factors.