Headaches

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Headaches ➤ Self-assessment checklist: Pain, tightness, and pressure on both sides of the head and across the forehead of mild to moderate intensity with no nausea or vomiting ➤ Headaches are one of the most common pain-related health problems in both children and adults. You may have a headache along with other minor health problems such as a sore throat, cold, or sinus problem. ➤ Types of headaches The most common types of headaches usually are not serious but may occur again and again: º Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress and emotional strain. Most adults have tension headaches from time to time, and everyone may have different areas of pain. º Cluster headaches º Migraine headaches. Approximately one-third of people who have migraine headaches first began having them as teenagers. ➤ Common causes of headaches include: º Alcohol, caffeine, or other drug use or withdrawal. º Changes in the levels of chemicals in the body (neurotransmitters). º Coughing or sneezing. º Dehydration. º Dental problems or procedures, such as pain from grinding the teeth or from a root canal. º Eating or drinking cold foods and fluids. º Emotional stress. º Exposure to smoke or fumes from chemicals, including carbon monoxide. º Eye strain. º Fever. º High altitude. Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause headaches. º High blood pressure (hypertension). º Infection in the sinuses, such as sinusitis or an abscess. º Medical procedures, such as the aftereffects of a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). º Medicines. Many medicines can cause headaches. º Muscle strain in the neck, upper back, or shoulder muscles. º Upper respiratory infections. º Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). ➤ Headaches with other serious symptoms Although rare, a headache may be a symptom of a serious illness. Other symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, or vision changes, may also be present. Occasionally serious illnesses or injuries can cause headaches.