Secondary headaches
Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying disease. They are a symptom of a health condition. These headaches are rare, but they can be an indication of a serious underlying health condition and hence, can be potentially dangerous. Various conditions can cause secondary headaches and the treatment option will be to treat the underlying cause. Some of the common causes of secondary headaches are mentioned below. Please note that this list is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive.
Acute sinusitis
It is inflammation and infection of the nasal cavity and surrounding sinuses. In this condition, excessive amounts of mucus are produced, and the drainage channels are blocked. This blockage leads to a buildup of mucus and consequently, a feeling of a headache.
Arterial tears
It is the formation of a tear on the inside membrane of the artery. If this tear occurs in the vertebral or carotid artery, it can lead to headaches and facial pain. The pain usually occurs on the same side of the arterial tear.
A brain aneurysm
It is a balloon-like bulge in a vessel wall and it usually occurs in vessels in which walls have been weakened. It can cause a severe headache.
Brain tumors
Any type of brain tumor can lead to a dull pressure-type headache. The location and severity of headache may vary depending upon the location, size, and type of brain tumor.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
A headache is one of the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Chiari malformation
This is a structural issue at the base of the skull that results in decreased space for the posterior part of the brain, the cerebellum. It can lead to a throbbing and sharp type of headache that may radiate in the neck and shoulder region.
Concussion
A headache is one of the symptoms of concussions.
Coronavirus disease 2019
A headache is a potential symptom of COVID-19.
Dehydration
Due to fluid loss, there is shrinkage of the brain. This shrinkage can result in a headache.
Dental problems
Any dental issue can result in a headache due to muscular tension.
Ear infection
An ear infection can lead to a headache on the same side of the infection.
Encephalitis
It is inflammation of the brain tissue. The inflammation results in the swelling of the brain tissue that manifests in a headache.
Giant cell arteritis
It is the inflammation of the arteries, particularly in the temple region. It causes a throbbing headache that is continuous.
Glaucoma
Headache is often a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage system of the eye closes and the pressure in the eye rises. This rise in pressure can present as a headache.
Hangovers
Alcohol can cause headaches due to various mechanisms. Usually, the alcohol intake leads to dehydration and dehydration can cause a headache.
High blood pressure
Generally, high blood pressure is not considered to be associated with headaches. But a hypertensive crisis can elicit a headache. In a hypertensive crisis, blood pressure rises significantly, and intracranial pressure increases to a great extent which can manifest as a headache.
Medications
Many types of medications that are used to treat different health conditions can cause headaches.
Meningitis
It is the inflammation of the layers of tissues surrounding the brain. This can present as a headache.
Tight headgear
Any type of headgear like helmets that are too tight can cause a headache.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is impaired and brain cells in that region begin to die. This can result in a severe sudden onset headache which is described by the patient as the worse headache of their life.
Trigeminal neuralgia
This is the pain caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve. It can lead to pain in the face and head region.
Read Also: Epilepsy Latest Facts: Pathophysiology, Causes, Types, and Treatments
References
Standford healthcare, Headache, Accessed May 11, 2021, https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/headache.html
Harvard Health Publishing, Causes of common headaches, Accessed May 11, 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/causes-of-headaches
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