Headaches are caused by stimulation or irritation of pain-sensitive structures in the head or neck. These structures include muscles, skin, nerves, arteries, membranes of the ear, nose and throat, sinuses, and more. The causes of headaches can be divided into primary and secondary types: Primary headaches are caused by overactivity or problems with pain-sensitive structures themselves, not from an underlying disease. They include:
- Tension headaches (due to muscle tension, stress, poor posture)
- Migraines (related to nerve dysfunction in the brain)
- Cluster headaches and others
Secondary headaches result from another health problem, such as:
- Infections (sinus, ear, throat)
- Dental or jaw problems
- Eye strain
- High blood pressure
- Injury to head or neck
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Hormonal influences
- Disorders of the nervous system
Common triggers and causes of headaches include:
- Stress and muscle tension
- Poor diet, skipped meals, dehydration
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Changes or lack of sleep
- Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells
- Hormonal changes (especially in women)
- Poor posture
- Temperature extremes
- Medication side effects
- Noise and environmental factors
The exact cause depends on the headache type; for example, migraines involve nerve dysfunction and chemical activity in the brain, while tension-type headaches are linked to muscle contractions around the head and neck. Most headaches are not caused by serious illness but can sometimes signal conditions requiring medical attention, like meningitis or tumors, which are rare. In summary, headaches have diverse causes ranging from lifestyle factors, environmental triggers, infections, injuries, neurological issues, to underlying medical conditions.
