Strange Causes of Headaches That Have Nothing to Do With Dehydration

27. A Good Cry

depressed woman covering face with hands and crying at home through window with raindrops and copy. Photo Credit: Envato @LightFieldStudios

While crying can be a healthy emotional release, the physical act itself can sometimes lead to a headache. Intense crying involves significant muscle tension in the face, neck, and scalp. It can also cause sinus pressure and congestion, contributing to pain around the eyes and forehead. Furthermore, dehydration can worsen after shedding tears. After an emotional release, focus on rehydrating, gently stretching your neck, applying a cool compress, and practicing relaxation techniques to ease any post-crying head pain.

28. Cold Stimulus ("Ice Cream Headache")

portrait of a person in the city eating ice cream. Photo Credit: Envato @emneemsphotos

That sudden, sharp pain after eating or drinking something very cold? It's officially called a cold stimulus headache, or sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia. It happens when the rapid cooling and subsequent rewarming of the roof of your mouth and back of your throat affect blood vessels and nerves, sending pain signals rushing to your brain. While intense, these headaches are usually harmless and short-lived. Eating or drinking cold items more slowly can often prevent them.

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