Cause of Headaches

Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes can typically be identified in the majority of cases. In order to properly diagnosis a headache, physician will usually categorize headaches in one of the following types. The most common form of headache, is known as a Primary Headache and they are experienced by nearly everyone. The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster and are rarely life threatening. Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. 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. People who suffer from Cluster headaches often experience sharp pain behind the eyes and water or drainage coming from both the eye and nose area are not uncommon.

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contraction which causes mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time. Significant emotional stress typically results in a contraction of the muscles, and therefore a tension related headache. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. The most common reason that muscle contract in this way, can be attributed to stress, which effect the oxygen and blood flow in the tighten area. A Migraine headache will occur in areas of the brain, however, the exact causes of these forms of headaches is unknown, they are related to blood vessel contractions, other changes in the brain and believed to be hereditary. Migraines are associated with symptoms such as light sensitivity; noise or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and stomach upset 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 type of chronic headaches are not common and around less than 5% of all adults will experience them. Women experiencing changes in their hormone levels due to menopause, pregnancy or menstruation cycles, can get, ’Hormone headaches’. Also, chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. 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. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon. The most common types of headaches can be classified as 1) primary, 2) secondary, and 3) cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches.