Health Conditions

What causes it?

Almost all headaches involve changes in the nerves and blood vessels of the head. For many years, the narrowing and widening of blood vessels was believed to cause headaches, but recent evidence does not support that theory totally. Another popular theory is that severe headaches and other types of chronic pain may be associated with low levels of brain chemicals known as endorphins. Produced in the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, endorphins are known to play roles in regulating pain.

Many headaches have no identifiable triggers (something that makes the headache start), but others may be associated with certain physical or emotional factors. Headache triggers are many and varied.

Physical factors such as prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position may prompt a tension headache for some individuals. Other tension headaches may result from dust, noise, or poor lighting. Emotional issues, including anger, depression, and grief, may also contribute to tension headaches.

Several triggers have been identified for migraines. They include hormonal changes, stress, caffeine, poor diet, light, alcohol, smoking, lack of sleep, or illness.

Cluster headaches may be started by drinking alcohol, being exposed to glaring lights, experiencing heat or cold, or eating certain foods such as citrus fruits or chocolate. Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG?commonly found in Chinese foods) and aspartame(an artificial sweetener) may bring on headaches for some individuals. Some medications -- including both prescription and over-the-counter medications that are used to treat headaches -- can actually cause headaches, if they are taken improperly.

Sinus headaches represent a common example of headaches that result from a specific condition. Brain abnormalities (such as meningitis?an infection in the brain or spinal chord, blood clots, or brain tumors) are examples of rare, but extremely dangerous illnesses that may also produce headache pain.