The term "headache" refers to head pain that can range in intensity from a slight nuisance to completely debilitating. There are several different types of headaches and their causes can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors.  

Headache refers to head pain. There are several different types of headache, including:

1. Tension Migraine 

2. Cluster

3. Sinus 

4. Pseudomotor cerebri

Identifying the cause of many headaches remains a unclear and causes of a headache vary depending on the type of headache. However, new research is helping physicians understand and successfully treat many types better now than ever before.

Tension headache refers to head pain associated with stress and muscle contraction. These headaches may occur only occasionally in response to a stressful event. They may also be chronic, occurring frequently. Some tension headaches are nearly constant, with daily pain that may vary in intensity. Tension headaches occur when muscles in the neck, face, and scalp contract and produce pain. The precise cause of this muscle contraction is unknown, but contributing factors may include stress, anxiety, depression, and eyestrain.

Migraine is a type of recurring headache that involves blood vessels, nerves, and brain chemicals. Sensations such as visual changes, called auras, may precede a migraine. The International Headache Society recently developed a new system that classifies migraines as one of two types: migraine occurring with an aura (formerly called “classic”) and migraine occurring without an aura (formerly called “common"). Migraines may occur several times a week or once every couple of years. Migraines may be so severe that they interfere with your ability to work and carry on normal activities.

An internal or external trigger sets off a process that results in migraine headaches. The exact trigger is often unknown. It is possible that the nervous system reacts to the trigger by conducting electrical activity that spreads across the brain. This electrical activity leads to the release of brain chemicals that make blood vessels swell and become inflamed. Scientists think that it is this inflammatory process that causes the pain and other symptoms of a migraine headache.

Cluster headache is a type of severe, recurring pain that is located on one side of the head. It received its name from the clustering or pattern of frequent headaches that usually occur.

Sevearl theories exist to explain the cause of cluster headaches, but a specific answer is currently unknown.

Sinus headaches are associated with inflammation of the sinuses - this condition is known as sinusitis. The sinuses, hollow cavities in the skull, perform an array of functions. When a cold and allergy causes inflammation of the nasal passages it can lead to sinusitis. Allergies and viral upper respiratory infections increase nasal secretions and cause tissue lining the nasal passages to swell. This results in nasal congestion and stuffiness - an experience that most everyone has experienced at one time or another.  But prolonged congestion causes nasal passage blockage - preventing normal drainage from occurring. The swollen tissues or infection may create pain and pressure. Secretions that are trapped in the sinuses may become infected with bacteria or, rarely, fungus. Medical attention is very important when a sinus infection has occurred and it must be treated immediately.

Pseudomotor cerebri (also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is due to increased pressure around the brain. It is believed that the pressure may be caused by the partially obstructed flow of fluids in the veins. The cause of the obstruction is unclear. This increased pressure causes daily headaches. The pressure in the brain will also increase pressure on the nerves going from the eyes to the brain and less commonly the nerves responsible for eye movements. This could result in permanent vision loss and problems with eye movements. This condition is most common in obese women of childbearing age.

WorldPath Medicine partners with global experts who treat all varieties of headaches. If you would like to speak with one of our specialists about headaches you may be experiencing, please  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make arrangements. The doctor can work with you to help you understand the cause of your particular headache and create a treatment program to decrease or eliminate them.