What causes headaches or migraines?

Answer 1

Common headache triggers

Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers of migraine headaches, since migraine sufferers are generally found to be more emotionally responsive and more highly affected by stressful events. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to cause the "flight or fight" response. The release of these chemicals can provoke vascular changes that can cause migraines. Repressed emotions surrounding stress -- such as anxiety, worry, excitement, and fatigue -- can increase muscle tension, contributing to tension headaches.

The following are some other common headache triggers:

Certain foods and beverages, such as aged cheese, chocolate, beers, wines (especially red), and food additives such as nitrates (in pepperoni, hot dogs, luncheon meats) and monosodium glutamate (MSG, commonly found in Chinese food).
Withdrawal from caffeine or a sudden drop in the body's caffeine level can cause a headache. The blood vessels seem to become sensitized to caffeine, and when caffeine is not ingested, a headache may occur. Caffeine itself is often helpful in treating acute migraine attacks.
Changing weather conditions such as storm fronts, barometric pressure changes, strong winds, or changes in altitude
Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, gas fumes, perfumes
Bright lights
Missing meals
Menstrual periods
Changes in normal sleep pattern (too much or too little sleep)
Exercise

Answer 2

There are many factors that can trigger a migraine, the causes are as varied as are people. A sinus or stress headache can even trigger a migraine. And remember that stress doesn't just mean the kind of 'oh, i'm so stressed about this job'. It can also be good stress and physical stress. If you think you have migraines I advise starting a journal. Record when you get headaches, all the symptoms ( flashing lights, nausea, etc...), severity and everything that happened just before (what you ate/drank, what you were doing, any perfumes, etc...) Then schedule a doctor's appointment and take your journal with you.
It could be that Excedrin Migraine is all that you need, but maybe not. My mother's were anxiety induced and she suffered from them for over 50 years, completely debilitated by them. Then a doctor decided to try Paxil and she hasn't had one since. Just in case, she caries the nose spray Immitrex (sp?) but hasn't had to use it more than once in a year. It is VERY important to understand what's causing your pain so that it can be stopped and not just temporarily masked.

Answer 3

Almost everyone gets headaches. You might feel throbbing in the front of your head during a cold or bout with the flu, for example. Or you might feel pain in your temples or at the back of your head from a tension headache after a busy day. Most regular headaches produce a dull pain around the front, top, and sides of your head, almost like someone stretched a rubber band around it. A migraine is different. Doctors define it as a recurrent headache that has additional symptoms. The pain is often throbbing and on one or both sides of the head. People with migraines often feel dizzy or sick to their stomachs. They may be sensitive to light, noise, or smells. In a few people, migraines can also cause auras, such as seeing spots or halos, just before actually getting the headache. Migraines are disabling, What Causes a Migraine? Migraine headaches seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body, and it can have an effect on the blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict (shrink). When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). This swelling can cause pain or other problems.

Answer 4

Alot of the causes are unknown.
Allergens.
Smells from perfumes, smoke, etc.
Stress
Hormones
All are known mechanisms.
However there are electrical waves in the brain measured by EEG that are abnormal in some kinds of migraines and headaches.
There are medications for the different types of headaches depending on the certain diagnosis.

Answer 5

Dehydration is right! There is not enough water to support your brain, causing tension and swelling in the brain. You need to drink plenty of water and when you have a migraine or tension headache remember that it is not a good idea to drive, if you are in a car accident (fingers crossed) there is nothing supporting your brain, so you are more susceptible to brain damage.

Answer 6

Stress

Answer 7

Stress, the weather, sinuses, being hungry are major triggers for headaches and or migraines i know i get them alot.

Answer 8

The ff. triggers HEADACHES/MIGRAINES:
*foods such as MSG, chocolates, alcohol/red wine
*irregular sleep
*environment, the sun, odors
*hormonal changes to women
*physical injury/over exertion
*stress from irritating people, bills, work, etc.

Answer 9

no one know for sure but scientists used to think it was caused by the blood vessels in the head constricting and restricting. Now they are thinking that they were wrong and are trying to find a new Idea but i do know some triggers some are chocolate stress certain foods stuff like that

Answer 10

I wish i knew because i get them too (migraines) and the best for me is excedrin migraine and wrapping something tight around my head and sleeping it off....that works for me....or u can go to the dr. and see if u suffer from migraines and they could prescribe you something like imitrex.