Causes Of Headaches
Although medical science has not yet found the exact cause of headaches, some of the most common causes are related to everyday stress. Headaches are broken down in the medical community into a few categories that assist in diagnosis. A primary headache occurs to millions on a daily basis. Primary headaches are what the majority of headaches can be diagnosed as, 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 much rarer and far more painful variety, that although not life threatening, can cause debilitating pain. Secondary headaches are sometimes a sign of a deeper neurological issue.
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 cause a severe amount 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 hard manual labor that is engaged in for several hours, can also result in headaches caused by tension.
Cluster headaches are a far rare occurence, and usually only afflict a tiny segment of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name "cluster" headache. This can make prevention and treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, severe and debilitating pain usually follows. Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. 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.
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 cause a severe amount 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 hard manual labor that is engaged in for several hours, can also result in headaches caused by tension.
Cluster headaches are a far rare occurence, and usually only afflict a tiny segment of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name "cluster" headache. This can make prevention and treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, severe and debilitating pain usually follows. Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. 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.
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