Causes of Headaches And How To Avoid Them

Secondary Headache Causes

Secondary headaches may vary in severity more than primary headaches because they are typically due to a symptom of an underlying disease that may activate pain-sensitive nerves in the head. Common causes of secondary headaches include a sinus infection, blood clot, brain aneurysm or tumor, arterial tear, dehydration, dental problem, ear infection, concussion, glaucoma, hangover, hypertension, meningitis, influenza, brain inflammation or inflammation in the lining of the arteries, overuse of pain medications, stroke, panic disorder or panic attack, and increased pressure in the skull, known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Types Of Secondary Headaches

The six main types of secondary headaches are external compression headaches, which occur as a result of pressure such as from tight motorcycle riding headgear, ice cream headaches or brain freeze, sinus headaches caused by congestion and inflammation in sinus cavities, rebound headaches caused by taking too many painkillers, spinal headaches caused by low levels of cerebrospinal fluid due to a spinal tap or leak, and sudden and severe thunderclap headaches with multiple causes.