Chronic headaches occur frequently--in some cases daily--and can be disabling. Sufferers also often experience depression and anxiety, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Doctors may find it challenging to find the cause of chronic headaches, and to successfully treat them. Possible causes include tension, chronic migraines, overuse of headache medication, injury, stroke, brain tumors, meningitis and elevated pressure inside the skull. Chronic headaches should be evaluated by a physician.
Drug Rebound and Medication Overuse
Overuse of headache medication occurs in 30 percent of chronic headache sufferers regardless of the original cause of headaches, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. The headaches then become more frequent and severe due to drug rebound. This cause is common and easily treatable. Medications that commonly cause overuse headaches include Imitrex, Fiorinal, Fioricet and narcotic pain relievers when they are taken three times per week or more. Patients who stop taking these medications so frequently commonly experience a significant reduction in the frequency or their headaches. Treatment may include the use of medications that do not cause rebound headaches, and treatment of the underlying cause of the headaches.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also called psuedotumor cerebri, is an increase in pressure inside the head without a known cause, such as a tumor or increased fluid, explains the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is associated with blood clots in the jugular vein, severe anemia, kidney failure, sleep apnea and medications such as corticosteroids, tetracyclines and isotretinoin. Daily headaches may be accompanied by nausea, double vision, ringing in the ears that coincides with the heartbeat and temporary vision loss. Permanent blindness can result if the condition is not treated. Treatment includes removal of any possible causes and water pills, or diuretics. Surgery that relieves pressure on the optic nerves may be needed for loss of vision that gets worse despite treatment, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Chronic Tension-type Headache
Chronic tension-type headaches are described as vise-like and can occur daily, according to the "Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine." Tension headaches involve a sensation of tightening or pressing, and do not usually occur on just one side of the head. They are not accompanied by nausea or worsened by changes in position. Sensitivity to sound or light may be experienced. The cause of the chronic tension-type headache is unknown, and it is considered a chronic pain disorder. Treatment focuses on prevention, and includes pain medications, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and botulism toxin injections into the muscles of the head and neck.
