Common Causes
Headaches are unpleasant experiences, so treating them promptly is key.
But to get to effectively treat your headaches, you must understand them.
Other variables linked to migraine development include structural brain changes and serotonin release.
Bailey Mariner / Verywell
This sensitization is thought to play a pivotal role in the transformation from episodic tochronic tension-bang out headache.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are uncommon and often begin without warning.
The pathogenesis, or the “why” behind cluster headache development, is not fully understood.
In addition, serious underlying (non-infectious) health conditions may cause headaches.
Examples include:
Genetics
Headaches, especially migraine headaches, tend to run in families.
Genetics Behind Migraines
That said, the genetic basis for migraines is complicated.
But having a certain genetic mutation(s) is not necessarily a slam dunk case for developing migraines.
The good news is that researchers are working tirelessly to identify genetic mutations that increase migraine risk.
Mutations in four specific genes have been linked to familial hemiplegic migraine.
Overall, the research into these specific genetic patterns is less robust than with migraines.
Another common jot down of headache ismedication overuse headache, also called “rebound headache.”
Migraines are resulting from the activation of a part of the brain known as the trigeminovascular system.
Certain foods and beverages can also trigger migraines.
These include nitrates, alcohol, caffeine, and aspartame.
Stress can cause tension-bang out headaches.
These are often described as a squeezing or tight sensation.
The pain from a stress-related headache usually wraps all the way around your head, like a headband.
Goadsby PJ.Pathophysiology of migraine.Ann Indian Acad Neurol.
2012;15(Suppl 1):S15-22.
Su M, Yu S. Chronic migraine:A process of dysmodulation and sensitization.Mol Pain.
2018;14:1744806918767697. doi:10.1177/1744806918767697
Charles AC, Baca SM.Cortical spreading depression and migraine.Nat Rev Neurol.
2013;9(11):637-44. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2013.192
Cleveland Clinic.Tension headaches.
In: Martelletti P., Steiner T.J. (eds)Handbook of Headache.
doi:10.1007/978-88-470-1700-9_20
Weaver-Agostoni J.Cluster headache.Am Fam Physician.
2013;88(2):122-8.
NINDS.Headache: Hope through research.
American Migraine Foundation.The genetics of migraine.
Sutherland HG, Griffiths LR.Genetics of migraine: Insights into the molecular basis of migraine disorders.Headache.
2017;57(4):537-569. doi:10.1111/head.13053
MedlinePlus.Familial hemiplegic migraine.
2011 Feb;51(2):262-71.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01768
Wober C, Wober-Bingol C.Triggers of migraine and tension-bang out headache.Handb Clin Neurol.
DOI: 10.1016/S0072-9752(10)97012-7
