Symptoms of BA typically develop gradually and are nonspecific (see Description/Etiology, above). Patients may also have papilledema (i.e., swelling of the head of the optic nerve), nuchal (i.e., neck) rigidity, and other focal neurological deficits (e.g., hemiparesis, ataxia, aphasia, nystagmus). Headache is aggravated by coughing or straining.