Causes of chronic headache
By: AlbrightTotal Views: 182, Word Count: 479,
Chronic headache is defined as long lasting headache. There are many causes of chronic headaches. These vary from eyestrain and sinusitis to encephalitis, cerebral aneurysms, meningitis, and sometimes brain tumors. In some cases, it is easy to conclude the exact cause of your headaches.
The Science behind Chronic Headache
According to theoretical research, chronic headache starts at the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is located in the brainstem and is the largest cell in the head which carries sensory impulses. When this nerve is stimulated by certain headache trigger, it releases a burst of neurotransmitters which increases serotonin levels and causes pain signals from the trigeminal nerve. But practically, patients suffering from chronic headache have low serotonin. In this way, science has proved that there is a clear relationship between headache and serotonin levels. In one experiment, a patient’s headache decreased with the injection of serotonin.
We can say that decreased level of serotonin has been implicated in depression and sleep disorders and these results in chronic headaches.
Causes of Chronic Headache
· Hormones
It is seen that women get migraine headaches more often as compared to men. So there is strong relationship between hormones and this type of headache. Another important fact supporting this theory is that women suffer from migraine headaches only after puberty when there are higher levels of female hormones.
· Headaches and Pregnancy
Sometimes chronic headache is caused due to hormones created during pregnancy.
· Tension Headache
This type is chronic headache happens due to stress. These headaches include pressure or tightness around all sides of the head or neck which results in mild to moderate pain. There may be softness in the muscles of the head, neck or shoulders. People note a feeling of psychological stress before this headache.
· Cluster Headache
These headaches are more restless. These unbearable headaches occur frequently for weeks or months. The pain begins without any warning and reaches a peak within a few minutes. Cluster headaches are linked with eye redness and tear production, and a runny nose along with sweating.
Other Causes of Chronic Headache
· Giant Cell Arthritis
This headache occurs due to inflammation of blood vessels typically in people aged 50 and older that can cause mild or severe headaches. This can result in temporary or permanent visual loss.
· Sinus Headaches
This is due to sinusitis i.e. inflammation and infection of sinuses on the face.
· Post-trauma Headaches
This type of chronic headache occurs after the head trauma. Post-trauma headaches can prolong for up to a few months.There are many ways to treat these chronic headaches. Start eating foods rich in magnesium e.g. legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, whole-grain cereals, vegetables, and breads. This will definitely help you to get rid of chronic pains. Healthy food and fresh mind will help to reduce the causes of chronic headache.
About the Author
Albright is a well known physician who has done his graduated from the Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans. He is practicing as a general physician from last 10 years. He has a good knowledge of treating patients with problems using clinical best practices and protocols. He gives individualized, updated, personal attention to his patient at the uppermost level of clinical efficiency. His special interests are Neuro Somatic disorders, heart diseases, neurological disorders, join pains and chest diseases. Currently he is working at Kindred hospitals.
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