Cause of Headaches

Primary Headaches are common occurrence that many of us face and even though science has not be exact as to the causes, there are some known factors that are associated with headaches. Headaches are broken down in the medical community into a few categories that assist in diagnosis. A primary headache is something almost all people are familiar with. The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster and are rarely life threatening. Sinus headaches usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling. Cluster headaches are among the least common, although considered to be one of the most severe, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning effect that is throbbing and often constant. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes, also water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches.

Tension headaches, are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents Many experts believe that the high majority of primary headaches are associated with some type of tension. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Migraines occur in certain areas of the brain, but the exact causes of migraines are unknown, however, they are related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain. There are multiple symptoms associated with Migraines, such as, loss of appetite, eye sensitivity to light, nausea, over sensitivity to noise and odors, upset stomach or abdominal pain.

Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually occur 1 to 4 times per month. Inflammatory headaches or Chronic progressive headaches get worse over a period of time, in both strength and frequency. These are the among the least common type of headache, accounting for less than 5% of all headaches in adults. Hormone headaches occur in women and are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Also, chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

The most serious and potentially life threatening are the Secondary headaches. This is much rarer than primary headaches and treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control. The diagnosis of secondary headache begins with a complete patient history followed by a physical examination,laboratory and radiology tests as appropriate. It is extremely important that patients with severe headaches seek medical care and give their health care practitioner an opportunity to assess their condition. If you suffer from a headache, you should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.