Chronic headaches are headaches that occur two or more times a week for at least three months. According to MayoClinic.com, chronic headaches can be classified on the basis of how long they last. The long-lasting headaches can be classified into chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua. MayoClinic.com states that although the causes behind chronic daily headaches are not clearly known, they may occur due to brain injury or tumor, infections, and inflammation or other factors.
Brain Injury and Trauma
MayoClinic.com states that if an individual suffers a traumatic injury to the brain, it can lead to the development of chronic headaches. A tumor in the brain can also cause an individual to experience chronic headaches. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, if the tumor presses against nerve tissues and pain-sensitive blood vessel walls, it can cause headaches. Intracranial pressure can also cause chronic headaches when it is either too high or too low.
Infections
MayoClinic.com says that infections in the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis can cause an individual to experience chronic headaches. Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord and is usually caused by a virus. Encephalitis is an inflammation in the brain that is also mostly caused by viral infections. Bacterial infections may be present in some cases of meningitis and encephalitis. Upper respiratory infections that spread to the sinuses can also cause headaches, however, they rarely lead to chronic headaches.
Inflammation and Other Factors
According to MayoClinic.com, if an individual has any sort of problems or inflammation in and around the brain, it can cause chronic headaches. A stroke can be a cause of this problem and can cause chronic headaches. MayoClinic.com says that when an individual develops a heightened response to pain signals, chronic headaches may occur. It also says that there is a part of the brain that suppresses pain signals. If this part is not working properly due to some reason, it can lead to chronic headaches.
