What causes a primary headache?

Primary headaches strike for a short period of time and clear in few minutes or hours. Most patients with primary headaches do not seek medical attention because symptoms often clear in few minutes or hours. However, a tension-mediated headache requires quick medical attention because symptoms become very severe, although this is rare.

What causes Migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches can be caused by reduced blood flow to various areas of the cerebral cortex. Various physical conditions may reduce the flow of blood to the cerebral cortex; these include:

• Pregnancy or ovulation
• Stress
• Excessive noises
• Flickering or bright lights
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Intense activities such as strenuous exercise
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Missing meals
• Certain medications
• Tobacco smoke or other odors and fragrances
• Weather changes
• Great heights

There are certain foods that may also trigger a migraine headache if eaten in large quantities or repeatedly; these include:

• Chocolate, nuts, butter
• Sour cream, sausage, pizza
• Chicken liver, herring, onions
• Caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages, citrus fruits
• Marinated foods, beans, ripened cheese

Symptoms of migraines include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting and intense throbbing pain that is usually felt on one side of the head.

What causes a Tension headache?

With tension headaches, pain is felt on both sides of the head and at the back of the neck. Tension-mediated headaches are dull, steady, and aching pains that may require medical attention. Tension headaches are caused by muscular strains in the head and neck or emotional stress.

Tension or muscle contraction headache may also be cause by several other factors such as:

• A psychological problem (stress)
• Hidden depression (anxiety)
• Muscle spasms in the cervical or thoracic areas (cramps)
• Eye nerves strains

Sometimes, tension headaches develop into throbbing pains, leading researchers to believe that they may be closely related to migraines.

What causes a Cluster headache?

The causes of a cluster headache are not really known. However, there are certain substances that may affect the blood circulation, and thus trigger cluster headaches. These include:

• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoke
• Certain drugs and medication
• Head or neck injury
• Surgery

Scientists maintain that blood flow disorders are major causes of cluster headaches. Cluster headaches often occur repeatedly over a period of weeks or even months. Cluster-headache pain may strike regularly during day. Cluster-mediated headache pain usually occurs on one side of the head and is centered on the eye.

Can blood pressure also cause Primary headaches?

Primary headaches can also be caused by too much blood flow. For example, excessive consumption of caffeinated products may increase the blood flow in the brain, causing headaches.

Related topics:

1. Why do I get headaches?
2. Can the sun be the cause of my headache?
3. What foods and drinks may cause headaches?