Causes of Headache

There are many causes of headache that range from common to possibly serious. Chronic causes of headache can include migraines and more seriously, disease or head trauma. Typically, the causes of headache do not indicate a serious condition unless they are persistent or chronic or are accompanied by other symptoms.

Common causes of headache are sinuses, stress, and sensory overload. Often, viral infections can be causes of headache such as with severe head colds and flu. These types of headaches can usually be relieved with over the counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetomenaphin. When stress or sensory overload are the causes of headache, sleep will generally bring relief even without OTC pain medication. Side effects of some prescription medication often include headache as well. If you believe you are taking a prescription medication that causes headaches that are bothersome, you should discuss it with the prescribing physician.

When headaches are chronic or persistent over a period of time, or are debilitating, the causes of headache might be more severe. A neurologist is a medical specialist that can be called upon to determine the causes of headache symptoms that are chronic or unbearable. Diagnostic tests such as CAT scans and MRIs are often performed on individuals with chronic headaches to rule out serious conditions.

In some cases, the causes of headache are psychological. This type of headache is often brought on by a situation that an individual finds stressful or unpleasant to deal with. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and counting can often help ward off stress headaches before they occur. If you find yourself experiencing chronic headache or head pain or become debilitated by the pain, you should see a doctor or a specialist. Equally important, if you experience headaches accompanied by other symptoms, talk to your doctor.