Most headaches happen outside the skull, in the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that cover the head and neck. The muscles or blood vessels can swell, tighten, or go through other changes that stimulate or put pressure on the surrounding nerves. These nerves send a rush of pain messages to the brain, which brings on a headache.
Causes of Headaches
• certain medications (headaches are a potential side effect of some medicines)
• too little sleep or sudden changes in sleep patterns
• skipping meals
• becoming dehydrated
• being under a lot of stress
• having a minor head injury
• using the computer or watching TV for a long time
• menstruation
• experiencing changes in hormone levels
• taking a long trip in a car or bus
• listening to really loud music
• smoking
• smelling strong odors such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or a new car or carpet
• drinking or eating too much caffeine (in soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate)
• consuming certain foods (such as alcohol, cheese, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty or fried food, lunchmeats, hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, or anything with the seasoning MSG)
In some cases, headaches are caused by certain infections, such as:
• ear infections
• flu
• Lyme disease
• sinus infections
• strep throat
• urinary tract infections
Common Types of Headaches
Tension Headaches
• constant pressure around the front, top, and sides of the head, almost like someone stretched a rubber band around it
• constricting
• dull
• aching
Migraines
• pounding, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
• dizziness
• stomachaches
• nausea and/or vomiting
• seeing spots or halos
• sensitivity to light, noise, and/or smells
Call the doctor if headache
• occur once a month or more
• don't go away easily
• are particularly painful [/center]