Chronic daily headache is defined as experiencing a headache 15 or more days in a month for a period of at least three months, according to the National Headache Foundation. Most people affected with chronic daily headache experience symptoms of a headache every day. Chronic daily headache is not a formal name for a condition but rather a term that encompasses a number of possible chronic headache conditions.
Classification
CDH is classified based on the time frame of the headaches. There are two categories of CDH--headaches lasting more than four hours and headaches lasting less than four hours. Chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache and hemicrania continua are CDH conditions that last more than four hours. Chronic cluster headache, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT are CDH conditions that last less than four hours. Each type of headache is further classified by the specific areas in the head and face where pain is normally felt.
Causes
Over 90 percent of people with CDH have chronic headaches as a result of mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Other causes of CDH include a heightened response to pain signals, a malfunction in the part of the brain that suppresses pain signals, inflammation of the brain or blood vessels, infections, pressure in the head, brain tumor or prior brain surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic. The chronic use of pain medication can also result in a reverse effect and cause CDH as well.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risks factors associated with chronic daily headaches. These risk factors include anxiety, depression, obesity, pain medication abuse, sleep disturbances and regular neck or head strain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those who smoke or overuse caffeine are also at risk. Nicotine and caffeine restrict the blood vessels, resulting in increased blood pressure. This can increase anxiety, which is one of the main triggers of CDH.
Treatment
Treatment for CDH varies depending on the specific CDH condition that is present. However, general treatment techniques include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-seizure medications and NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Psychotherapy and counseling are also recommended for treatment of underlying anxiety and depression, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Prevention
In most cases, it is more effective to prevent CDH then to treat it when headache symptoms are present. Prevention strategies include adequate sleep, regular exercise, meditation or relaxation exercises, caffeine reduction and the overuse of medication, according to the Mayo Clinic. Improving organization, planning ahead and a positive attitude are stress-reduction techniques that may also be useful in preventing chronic daily headaches.
