Causes of headaches

The headache can occur due to a variety of causes. This is why all the headaches can be classified into several types. But no matter what the cause of the headache is it needs to be found as soon as possible and it should be effectively eradicated.

Migraines

Migraines are special type of headaches that present with severe pain usually followed by vomiting. The pain is resistant to majority of medications and the people who are suffering from migraines face difficulties when coping with the condition. There are several triggers that can lead to onset of migraines. They include increased exhaustion, lack of sleep, increased levels of stress, and anxiety. The change in diet and not regular intake of food may be additional trigger for migraines. Smoking and intensive fragrance can also lead to migraines. In some people the onset of migraines is closely related to weather changes. In women hormonal imbalance can lead to migraines. And even consumption of certain food can induce migraines. Foods that can cause migraines include dairy products, sugar and chocolate. Foods that contain artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate and nitrates trigger migraines as well. People who are suffering from this type of headaches need to stay away from alcohol and caffeine.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are similar to migraines but the real cause of these headaches has not been established yet. They usually affect young men and are mostly caused by the weather changes. They occur in spring or autumn, once a year or once in two years and tend to bother the patient for approximately twelve weeks. The pain is present on one side of the head and is followed by runny nose and increased production of the tears.

Tension Headaches

Tension Headaches are caused by stress which leads to muscle contractions. The intensity of these headaches is not so severe. Tension headaches are bilateral.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches can accompany migraines or can occur due to previous head trauma. Even abuse of analgesics can lead to chronic headaches.

Icepick Headaches

These headaches present with sharp pain that lasts for seconds or minutes. It can repeat during a day. The cause may be consumption of cold drinks or food.

Headaches Connected to Sinusitis

The cause of these headaches is the inflammation of the sinuses and the pain is present in the area of the affected sinus.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Headaches are in this case caused by the vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve. Even tumors or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerve and lead to headaches.

Herpes Virus

Herpes virus may affect any of the cranial nerves and lead to headaches.

Temporomandibular JointSometimes headaches are a result of improper function of temporomandibular joint.

Other Causes of Headaches

Apart from the previously mentioned the headaches can be additionally caused by meningitis, brain tumors, brain hemorrhage, temporal arteritis, glaucoma, intracranial hypertension and subacute carbon monoxide poisoning.