Causes of Headaches

Headaches are a common experience, and most are not signs of serious medical conditions. 

However, they can stem from a wide range of causes - from minor lifestyle factors to serious health concerns.

Headaches are generally classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. 

Understanding the difference can help guide treatment and awareness.

Primary Headaches

These are not caused by another condition. 

They result from overactivity or issues with pain-sensitive structures in the head.

        Tension Headaches

• Dull, aching pain or pressure around the head
• Often linked to stress, fatigue, poor posture, or muscle tension

        Migraines

• Throbbing pain, usually on one side
• May include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound
• Some experience visual or neurological “aura”

        Cluster Headaches

• Severe pain around one eye
• Occur in clusters over weeks/months
• May include watery eyes, nasal congestion, drooping eyelid

Secondary Headaches

These are symptoms of another condition - ranging from infections to neurological disorders.

• Sinus Headaches - Inflammation or infection in sinus cavities
• Medication Overuse - Frequent painkiller use causing rebound headaches
• Dehydration - Lack of fluids in the body
• Hangovers - Alcohol-related headaches
• Dental Issues - Tooth decay or infection referring pain to the head
• Ear Infections - Especially middle ear infections
• Eyestrain - Prolonged screen time or reading
• Poor Posture - Neck and shoulder strain
• Caffeine Withdrawal - Sudden reduction in intake
• Infections - Flu, meningitis, encephalitis
• High Blood Pressure - Especially when severely elevated
• Head Injury - Post-trauma headaches
• Brain Aneurysm - Swollen or ruptured blood vessel
• Brain Tumor - Rare but serious; may include neurological symptoms
• Stroke - Disrupted blood flow to the brain
• Temporal Arteritis - Artery inflammation, common in older adults
• Chiari Malformation - Structural issue at skull base
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Headache with flu-like symptoms
• Spinal Headaches - Often after spinal tap or anesthesia
• Trigeminal Neuralgia - Irritation of facial nerve

Common Triggers for Primary Headaches

Trigger	Description
🧠 Stress	Common trigger for tension and migraine headaches
😴 Sleep Changes	Too little or too much sleep
🔄 Hormonal Fluctuations	Estrogen changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause
🍫 Certain Foods	Alcohol, aged cheese, MSG, chocolate, processed meats
🍽️ Skipped Meals	Can cause low blood sugar
💡 Sensory Stimuli	Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells
🌦️ Weather Changes	Barometric pressure or temperature shifts
🏋️ Physical Exertion	Intense activity or sexual exertion

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Sudden, severe headache (“worst ever”)
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, or speech issues
• Headache after head injury
• Persistent headache despite rest and medication
• New headache with history of cancer or HIV/AIDS
• Headache that wakes you from sleep
• Worse in the morning or changes in usual pattern
• Jaw pain while eating, blurred vision, or scalp tenderness (especially in older adults)

If you're concerned about your headaches, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

External References & Further Reading

• Mayo Clinic – Causes of Headaches
• NHS UK – Migraine Overview
• Cleveland Clinic – Headache Types & Causes
• American Migraine Foundation – Cluster Headaches
• WebMD – Headache Types Slideshow

Versi Bahasa Malaysia. 

والله أعلم

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