What are the causes of headache?

Headaches: There are many types of headaches and there are many causes of these headaches. Please give more information concerning your headaches and the question you have.

Broad question: Just like stomach pain has many causes, headaches can be due to many things. It can be due to but not limited to the following: sinus pressure, sinus infection, ear infections, head trauma, migraines, stress, muscle tension, loud noise, alcohol, certain foods, eye strain, sleep deprivation, bleeding in the brain, brain tumors, brain infection and the list goes on.

Dr Namey and another doctor agreed

Identify triggers: There are certain foods and aspects of lifestyle that can trigger or worsen headaches and migraines. The best way to identify triggers is to maintain a headache diary and keep a list of foods eaten before your migraine. Common triggers include chocolate, caffeine, cheese, msg, processed meats, alcohol, smoking/being around smoke, stress, skipping meals, lack of sleep or too much sleep.

Dr Chuu agreed

Zillion: There is an incredibly long list of causes. Neurologists deal with them on a daily basis.

Dr Villaplana and another doctor agreed

Many Different: There are many different causes for headaches, both known and unknown. Muscle tension or stress headaches are caused by the muscles around the skull tightening. Some headaches are caused by pressure inside the brain or skull. Some are caused by infection or damage to a nerve around the head. Many others are unknown.

Many things: Depending on symptoms, headaches can be caused by different things, as benign as stress, cold, low blood sugar to as dangerous as tumors, brain infections or bleeding in a head.

Several reasons: There are several reasons behind the occurrence of head pains ranging from genetics, muscle contractions, stress, sleep disorders, teeth grinding, trauma, and different medical illness. The exact causes of headaches aren't known.

Many...: Headaches can be caused by more things than can be mentioned in this post. For example - dehydration, stress, vision problem, brain tumor, illness, fever, hypertension, (and on and on). If you are having issues with headaches, see your physician

Headache: There are many causes of headaches, most common of which is unknown. Migraines (sick headaches) are associated w/nausea & vomiting while aggravated by bright lights & loud noises. Hangovers are from excess alcohol while caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches. Tension & sinus infections can also cause headaches. Check out http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/causes/sym-20050800

Dr Iwata agreed

When to see a doctor: A headache can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as a stroke, meningitis or encephalitis. Go to a hospital emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if you're experiencing the worst headache of your life, a sudden, severe headache or a headache accompanied by: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050800

Dr Rhoads agreed

Many possibilities: Most people have a headache at some time, such as from colds or flus, lack of sleep, too much driving, long hours on a computer, stress at work, etc... Several over-the-counter options include Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin, Aleve, Excedrin Migraine, and their generic brands. A bad or increasing headache, recurrent headache, weird headache, or one with other worrisome symptoms must be examined.