Causes
The sensation of pain during a headache arises from a complex interplay of signals involving your brain, blood vessels, and nearby nerves. Specific nerves within your blood vessels and head muscles activate, transmitting pain signals to your brain. However, the precise mechanisms triggering these signals initially remain unclear.
Headaches can stem from various sources, including:
Illness: Infections, colds, and fevers can induce headaches. Additionally, conditions such as sinusitis, throat infections, or ear infections may contribute. In rare instances, head injuries could also lead to headaches, signaling a potential underlying medical issue.
Stress: Emotional stress, depression, alcohol consumption, irregular meals, changes in sleep patterns, and excessive medication use are common factors associated with headaches. Poor posture leading to neck or back strain is another potential cause.
Environmental Factors: Elements in your surroundings, such as secondhand tobacco smoke, potent odors from household chemicals or perfumes, allergens, and specific foods, can trigger headaches. Stress, pollution, noise, lighting, and changes in weather are additional potential environmental triggers.
Genetics: Headaches, especially migraines, often exhibit a familial pattern. A significant proportion of children and teens with migraines have family members who share this susceptibility. If both parents have a history of migraines, the likelihood of their child experiencing them increases to 70%. Conversely, if only one parent has a migraine history, the risk drops to 25%-50%.