Headaches are a source of pain and discomfort for millions of people around the world. There are many different types of headaches, each triggered by different causes. While many headaches can be prevented by changes in lifestyle or diet, in some causes, headaches are a symptom of a severe medical condition requiring treatment.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common types of headaches, and account for approximately 90 percent of all headaches, according to the University of South Florida. Tension headaches are caused by tightly clenched muscles in the head, neck and shoulders, which often occur during times of stress, anxiety, depression, poor diet, sleep deprivation or drug or alcohol use. The pain felt during headaches results from compression of nerves by the clenched muscles, or irritation of nerves triggered by an excess of metabolic wastes caused by poor blood and lymph fluid circulation.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are usually characterized by dull, pulsating pain located around the front of the head and face. These headaches result from congestion and inflammation of the sinuses, the empty cavities interspersed through the nose, cheek bones and eyes. In healthy sinuses, mucus drains from the nasal cavities, allowing air to freely circulate. If the sinuses become inflamed due to a cold, flu or allergies, mucus clogs up the cavities, which often results in growth of bacteria, viruses or fungi. This buildup of pressure then triggers headaches.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are a specific type of headache characterized by pain that is often worse on one side of the head and are often accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sound or light. The exact cause of migraines is still unknown. However, researchers suspect that they are caused by abnormal levels of naturally occurring substances in the brain, which cause inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the brain. The swollen blood vessels then increase pressure on nerves in the brain, causing pain. Migraines are often linked to specific environmental factors, known as triggers, that are unique to individuals, such as lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, caffeine or other dietary substances.
Temporal Arteritis Headaches
Individuals over 50 years of age who experience headaches for the first time may be suffering from a rare condition called temporal arteritis, caused by inflammation of blood vessels in the brain. The exact cause of the inflammation is unknown but may be related to a hyperactive immune response.
Other Rare Headaches
In rare causes, headaches may be caused by severe medical conditions, including a brain aneurysm, brain tumor, stroke or brain infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
