Tension headaches are caused by stress, muscular tension, vascular dilation, postural changes, protracted coughing or sneezing, and fever. Physical and mental conditions that can lead to chronic muscular tension and headache include:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis in neck or spine
- Degenerative bone or disk disease in the neck or spine
- Depression
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
There are several well-known triggers associated with cluster headaches, including drugs that dilate or constrict blood vessels and alcohol. This suggests that changes in the walls of blood vessels in the head may be partly responsible.
Some researchers believe that a low level of endorphins may cause frequent, severe, or chronic headache pain. Endorphins are painkilling compounds found in the brain.
Recent studies have shown that environmental triggers may cause headaches in some people. These factors include changes in barometric pressure and altitude, inclement weather (e.g., heavy rain or snow), and high winds.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 01 Dec 2007
Headache, Headache Causes reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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