Headaches caused by anger can occur for different reasons. Many people experience some sort of headache when they become angry enough about something. Coming up with a remedy that works for you and addresses both the anger and the headache is very important so that both the headache and the anger dissipate.
Types
There are several types of headaches that can occur arise from anger. Tension headaches generally aren't very well understood, but the common description is that you feel like there is a tight band around your head, or that your head is in a vice grip. Migraine headaches can arise from anger and have very serious symptoms that can debilitate individuals who experience them. Hormone headaches arise from imbalances in hormones that occur, usually in females going through a menstrual cycle and usually accompany fluctuating feelings such as anger and sadness.
Misconceptions
One misconception about headaches from anger is that it is the actual emotion of anger that is causing the headache. Actually, it is the physiological changes that you are experiencing from anger that are causing the pain. Some individuals who are angry have a tendency to clench their jaws, which can cause headaches because of the muscle tension in the face and head. Other individuals experience hormone changes because of anger, which prevents the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Other physiological changes that can occur from anger are dehydration, either from sweating or forgetting to drink fluids, and tensing muscles--both conditions can cause you to have a headache.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing a headache from anger can be as simple as deciding to not get angry in situations that made you angry before. Or it can be as complicated as needing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan to determine if there are underlying physical issues causing the headaches that are related to the anger you are experiencing. These diagnostic tests can prevent any worsening of an illness that may be responsible for the anger and headaches, with the most serious and rare example being a brain tumor. At-home solutions can involve a relaxing bath with aromatherapy, taking the recommended dose of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, or taking a short nap.
Warning
If you notice any change in your headache patterns, consult your primary care doctor or a neurologist. These medical professionals can assist you in finding the cause of the anger that is triggering your headaches and provide a medical remedy or a therapeutic one if they feel that your anger is something that needs to be talked over with a mental health professional. Anger that leads to a headache must never be taken out on yourself or other individuals; if you are experiencing the brunt of your or someone else's anger, talk to someone such as a mental health or medical professional, a trusted friend or religious adviser.
Expert Insight
Headaches from anger can also be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which is a diagnosable mental health disorder. If you have gone through a traumatic experience, Help Guide suggests seeking help from a therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma and PTSD.
