What Causes Migraines and Headaches?
Just as there are several different types of Headaches, there is also a wide variety of causes for each type of headache. The causes of the Three primary types of Headaches are:
- Cluster Headaches: The exact cause of cluster headaches remains relatively unknown, and they are not typically linked to common triggers. However, alcohol consumption and certain medications, such as nitroglycerin or vasodilators, may provoke cluster headache episodes. These headaches often occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, predominantly affecting one side of the head.
- Migraine Headaches: Multiple known triggers can provoke migraines, including changes in sleep patterns, overuse or daily use of pain relief medication, dehydration, emotional or physical stress, exposure to smoke, bright lights, or strong odors, excessive caffeine intake, hormonal fluctuations, and certain foods like aged cheese or processed meats. These triggers vary widely among individuals.
- Tension Headaches: Common triggers for tension headaches include psychological factors like anxiety and stress, environmental factors such as bright sunlight, loud noises, and strong smells, physical factors like poor posture, muscle strain, dehydration, fatigue, lack of physical activity, and irregular eating habits. These headaches often feel like a tight band around the head and are the most common headache type worldwide.
