what are the physiological process behind a "headache"?

Question

what are the physiological process behind a "headache"?please include receptors used, division of CNS or PNS, neurotranmitters involved, and a current reaseach on the topic....that will be soo helpful!!

Answer 1

Tension headaches are perhaps the most common type of headache encountered, and presents with complaints of dull ache, tightness, and pressure felt in the frontotemporal as well as posterior head and neck, typically bilateral in distribution. Though the exact etiology is unclear, it is thought to be related to prolonged and sustained contraction of the head and neck muscles, since such activity will exacerbate the symptoms. Because etiology is unclear, treatment is usually symptomatic, with NSAIDs being first-line agents, with other pharmacological agents considered by specific case scenario.

Migraine headaches are also very common complaints, and though the etiology of migraine headaches is largely unclear, it is thought that dilation of cerebral vasculature has a strong influence. However, such dilation may in turn be due to many possible causes, which is reflected in the plethora of pharmacological agents reported to be of therapeutic benefit, utilizing a bevy of neuroendocrine mechanisms. Again, NSAIDs are first-line agents for treatment of mild to moderate migraines, while more-severe migraines are indications for ergot alkaloids or sumatriptans for treatment of acute symptoms. Beta-adrenergic antagonists are commonly used as prophylactic treatment, as are Topamax and methysergide, though the latter carries a risk of development of retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Another etiological origin of headaches is inflammatory pain that may be focalized or diffuse according to selective stimulation of pain receptors. Glaucoma may cause retro- and peri-orbital pain due to increased intraocular pressure that stimulates afferents in the orbital muscles and structures. Sinus inflammation, whether through infection or allergic irritation, may also produce headaches through similar stimulation of sinus nociceptive-afferents. Meningitis is another differential diagnosis that produces headaches through inflammation of the nociceptive fibers in the meninges -- however, unlike the 2 aforementioned inflammatory processes, meningitis is typically is a much more-emergent diagnosis, as bacterial meningitis may become rapidly fatal if not treated immediately.

Answer 2

Use these 2 websites to get your answer darling.
1)http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm
2)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofeedback