What we refer to as headaches may occur very frequently in various areas of the head like for example behind the head, in the upper neck or ears. In addition, headaches are not generally considered a sickness, but rather a symptom of another sickness. Causes for headaches are many and these causes could vary from one person to the other. Furthermore, as in certain cases the treatment is quite tough, it is important to correctly diagnose the reason for the headache.

Categorizing the headache is the first step that should be taken before attempting to treat the condition. There are several methods to classify headaches although the most well known method was put forward by the International Headache Society. According to this classification method, there are three major types of headaches and each type has different causes of headaches.

Primary causes of headaches are one of the chief kinds of headaches and can be further classified as tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. The major culprit in the case of tension headaches tend to be either physical or mental stress. It is believed that almost 90% of all adults would experience tension headaches in their lifetimes. Furthermore, women are more prone to tension headaches than men. Migraine headaches are also a common type of headache with almost 12% of the US population (approximately 28 million people) experiences this type of headache. Although both of these headaches are very common, cluster headaches are rather rare with affecting only 0.1% of the population. The precise reason of headache in both migraine related and cluster headaches has not yet been identified. None of those mentioned above however are fatal.

Although the cause of headache in primary headaches might not be life threatening, secondary headaches may signal a far more dangerous condition. Due to conditions like meningitis, brain tumors, strokes and encephalitis secondary headaches could come about. Therefore, it’s vital that one seeks medical attention when one shows headache associated symptoms like seizures, continuing nausea and vomiting, and vision, speech and behavior changes. Another serious type of a headache is referred to as cranial neuralgia where swollen nerves in the head and neck tends to the reason for the headache. In addition to this, facial pains and other various headaches are also included.

It should be remembered that although many headaches may be temporary relieved by painkilling drugs such as paracetamol and asprin, it is vital to seek medical attention if the headache persists heavily. In addition, the painkilling drugs including paracetamol should be used in the recommended quantities as an overdose might have negative effects like heavy liver damage which would at times prove to be fatal.

What we refer to as headaches may occur very frequently in various areas of the head like for example behind the head, in the upper neck or ears.  In addition, headaches are not generally considered a sickness, but rather a an indication of another sickness. Causes for headaches are many and these causes could vary from one person to the other. Furthermore, as in certain cases the treatment is difficult, it is vital to correctly diagnose the reason for the headache.

cause of headaches

Before any treatment, the headache should be first categorized. There are there are numerous ways to categorize headaches although the most renowned method was put forward by the International Headache Society. There are three main types of headaches according to this categorization and each specific type tends to have a separate cause.

Primary headaches are one of the chief kinds of headaches and can be further categorized as tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches. In tension headaches, the major cause of headache is physical or mental stress. It is said that almost 90% of all adults would experience tension headaches during their lives. Furthermore, women are more prone to tension headaches than men. Migraine headaches are also a common type of headache with almost 12% of the US population (approximately 28 million people) experiences this form of headache. Cluster headaches which affects only 0.1% of the people are somewhat uncommon though both these types tend to be experienced fairly frequently by most people. The precise reason of headache in both migraine related and cluster headaches are not presently known. None of those mentioned above however are fatal.

causes of headache

Although the cause of headache in primary headaches might not be life threatening, secondary headaches may signal a far more dangerous situation. Secondary headaches normally occur due to underlying diseases such as brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis and stroke. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek medical attention when your headaches are accompanied with symptoms such as seizures, continuing nausea and vomiting, and vision, speech and behavior changes. There is also another type of headaches called Cranial neuralgia where the cause of headache is inflamed nerves in the head and the neck. In addition to this, facial pains and other different headaches are also included.

cause of headache

It should be remembered that although many headaches may be temporary relieved by painkilling drugs such as paracetamol and asprin, it is vital to seek medical attention if the headache persists heavily. Additionally, the painkilling drugs including paracetamol should be used in the recommended doses as an overdose might have negative effects such as heavy liver damage which would at times prove to be life threatening.

Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes of headaches can typically be blamed in the majority of cases. Headaches are broken down into three basic categories. A primary headache is something almost all people are familiar with. Primary headaches constitute the vast majority of headaches, and are almost never life threatening. Despite this frequency of occurence and a lack of life threatening danger, a primary headache can be very painful. Cluster headaches are a far more serious form of headache, that although not life threatening, can bring about serious pain. Secondary headaches are caused by a structural or chemical problem in the brain.

It is believed that over 90% of primary headaches, which most people experience, can be blamed on tension. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. This can be a significant source of pain. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Significant emotional stress usually leads to cranial pressure, and therefore a tension related headache. Prolonged physical stress, such as extended manual labor, is also known to cause tension headaches.

Cluster headaches happen less frequently, and typically only occur in a small portion of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name “cluster” headache. This grouping pattern makes treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes. It is common for cluster headaches that water running from the nose and eyes. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. This is much rarer than primary headaches. A secondary headache can signify a deeper neurological issue at work. Headaches that occur on a chronic basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches sometimes present with severe pain and sensory issues. knowing the cause of headaches may help us to prevent further attacks.