What Causes Headache

What Causes Headache: Some Known and Unknown Causes?

There is variety of reasons for headaches. Some are very obvious and others are very illusive. On one hand some of the causes are indicative of life threatening underlying disease like brain cancer and on the other hand some reasons are very mild and temporary caused by hunger or dehydration.

So let us examine what causes headache?

Tension.

Tension is one of the most common causes of headache. Traditionally this type of headache is linked to muscle contraction. Headaches result from contraction of the scalp, face or neck muscles. They are often associated with stress, depression and anxiety. Not getting enough sleep or overworking are the other reasons of these muscle contractions. This type usually occurs on both sides of the skull. it begins at the back and gradually spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing.

Dilation of the blood vessels

Dilation of blood vessels in the skull or swelling in the brain that stretches to the brain's coverings involving nerves of the face and scalp can cause headaches.

Sinus inflammation

This is one of the common causes of headache.

Foods.

Certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, and mono sodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer) can trigger it and people who consume caffeine regularly can get bout of headaches when they skip their usual daily intake.

Posture.

Posture related triggers include extended use of a computer, microscope or typewriter, sleeping in a cold room or in an abnormal position, overexerting yourself, grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

Unexplained causes.

Migraine usually occurs on any one side of the head is also common. Migraine occurs when blood vessels of the scalp and neck constrict thereby decreasing blood flow to the vessels. But actual causes have not yet been scientifically established though there are indications that certain kinds of foods like chocolates, old cheese and alcohol can cause migraine.

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