Headache Causes: Why Your Head Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide. Almost everyone experiences one at some point. While most headaches are not dangerous, understanding headache causes can help you manage pain effectively — and recognize when it may signal something more serious.

Below, you'll find medically grounded information about why headaches happen, what different types feel like, and what steps to take next.

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What Is a Headache?

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. The brain itself does not feel pain. Instead, pain comes from irritation or tension in:

• Blood vessels
• Nerves
• Muscles in the head and neck
• Sinuses
• Surrounding tissues

The type of pain — dull, sharp, throbbing, tight — can provide clues about the underlying cause.

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Common Headache Causes

Most headaches fall into two main categories:

1. Primary headaches (not caused by another medical condition)
2. Secondary headaches (caused by another health issue)

Let's break these down.

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Primary Headache Causes

Primary headaches are the most common type. They are not due to another illness.

1. Tension Headaches (Most Common)

This is the most frequent of all headache causes.

What it feels like:

• Dull, aching pain
• Pressure around the forehead or back of the head
• Tightness in neck or shoulders
• Mild to moderate intensity

Common triggers:

• Stress
• Poor posture
• Lack of sleep
• Eye strain
• Dehydration

These headaches are uncomfortable but not dangerous.

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2. Migraines

Migraines are more than "just bad headaches." They are a neurological condition.

What it feels like:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Often on one side of the head
• Moderate to severe intensity
• Lasts 4–72 hours

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Visual disturbances (called aura)

Common migraine triggers:

• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods (like aged cheese or processed meats)
• Stress
• Skipped meals
• Bright lights
• Changes in sleep patterns

Migraines can significantly impact daily life, but many treatments are available.

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3. Cluster Headaches

These are less common but extremely painful.

What it feels like:

• Severe burning or piercing pain
• Usually around one eye
• Occurs in cycles (clusters)
• Lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours

Other symptoms:

• Red or watery eye
• Runny or blocked nose on one side
• Restlessness

Cluster headaches require medical evaluation and specific treatment.

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Secondary Headache Causes

Secondary headaches happen because of another condition. Some are minor; others can be serious.

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1. Sinus Headaches

Caused by sinus infection or inflammation.

Symptoms:

• Pressure in forehead, cheeks, or around eyes
• Worsens when bending forward
• Nasal congestion
• Fever (sometimes)

If symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen after improving, medical care may be needed.

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2. Dehydration

A very common but often overlooked headache cause.

Why it happens:

• Loss of fluids affects blood volume
• Brain temporarily contracts from fluid loss

Clues:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth
• Dark urine
• Dizziness

Drinking fluids often improves symptoms within hours.

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3. Medication Overuse Headaches

Ironically, frequent use of pain relievers can trigger headaches.

This can happen if over-the-counter pain medication is used more than 10–15 days per month.

These headaches:

• Occur daily or almost daily
• Improve briefly with medication, then return

A doctor can help create a safe plan to break the cycle.

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4. High Blood Pressure

Most high blood pressure does not cause headaches. However, severely elevated blood pressure can.

Warning signs may include:

• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

This requires urgent medical attention.

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5. Infections

Certain infections can cause headaches, including:

• Flu
• COVID-19
• Meningitis

Meningitis is rare but serious. Seek immediate care if headache comes with:

• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to light

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6. Head Injury

Headaches after a fall or blow to the head may signal a concussion or internal bleeding.

Get urgent care if headache follows trauma and includes:

• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness

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7. Brain Tumors (Rare)

Many people worry about this, but it is a very rare headache cause.

Possible warning signs:

• Headache that steadily worsens
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Weakness on one side of the body

While serious, these symptoms are uncommon compared to everyday tension or migraine headaches.

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When Should You Worry About a Headache?

Most headaches are not dangerous. However, seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• A sudden, severe headache ("worst headache of your life")
• Headache with high fever and stiff neck
• Headache after head injury
• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Weakness or numbness
• Vision loss
• Seizures

These could signal life-threatening conditions and require urgent evaluation.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If your headache is mild and typical for you, try these first:

✅ Hydrate

Drink water or electrolyte fluids.

✅ Rest

Lie down in a dark, quiet room.

✅ Gentle Stretching

Neck and shoulder stretches can relieve tension headaches.

✅ Over-the-Counter Medication

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help if used occasionally and as directed.

✅ Identify Triggers

Keep a simple headache diary noting:

• Time of onset
• Food eaten
• Sleep patterns
• Stress levels
• Weather changes

Patterns can reveal the true headache causes.

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When to See a Doctor

Schedule a medical appointment if:

• Headaches are frequent (more than once per week)
• Pain interferes with work or daily life
• You need pain medication often
• Your headache pattern changes
• You experience new headaches after age 50

A healthcare professional can:

• Review your symptoms
• Perform a physical and neurological exam
• Order imaging if needed
• Prescribe preventive medications

If you're unsure what may be causing your symptoms, consider using a free AI-powered Headache symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical care right away.

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Can You Prevent Headaches?

Prevention depends on the specific headache causes, but these strategies help many people:

• Maintain consistent sleep
• Drink enough water
• Eat regular meals
• Limit caffeine
• Manage stress
• Exercise regularly
• Practice good posture
• Avoid known migraine triggers

For chronic migraines, doctors may prescribe preventive medications or recommend therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or nerve-targeted treatments.

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The Bottom Line

Headaches are extremely common, and most are caused by tension, migraines, dehydration, or lifestyle factors. Understanding headache causes allows you to take practical steps toward relief and prevention.

That said, some headaches can signal serious conditions. Never ignore:

• Sudden severe pain
• Neurological symptoms
• Headache with fever and stiff neck
• Headache after injury

If something feels different, worsening, or alarming, speak to a doctor immediately. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek medical care — especially for symptoms that could be life threatening.

Your health deserves attention, clarity, and informed decisions.