What Causes Headaches?

Headaches are one of the most common health problems that almost everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. Sometimes they appear as mild pain that disappears within a few hours, while at other times they may occur as severe attacks lasting for days. The answer to the question “What causes headaches?” is quite broad, because a headache is not a single disease but a symptom that can develop due to many different reasons.

Experienced neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that headaches should not always be considered a simple condition. Especially headaches that are frequent, severe, sudden in onset, or limit daily activities should always be evaluated by a specialist.

What Is a Headache?

A headache refers to pain, pressure, or throbbing sensations felt in the head, face, neck, or scalp. The pain may originate from structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain).

An important fact is that the brain tissue itself does not feel pain. Headaches usually occur due to irritation or stimulation of surrounding nerves and blood vessels.

Types of Headaches

Headaches are generally classified into two main groups:

Primary Headaches

These headaches are not caused by an underlying disease.

Examples include:

• Migraine
• Tension-type headache
• Cluster headache

Secondary Headaches

These occur as a symptom of another medical condition. Causes may include sinus infections, high blood pressure, brain tumors, vascular disorders, infections, or head trauma.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that distinguishing whether a headache is primary or secondary is crucial for determining the correct treatment.

Most Common Causes of Headaches

Tension-Type Headaches

This is the most common type of headache.

Typical symptoms include:

• A squeezing or tightening sensation on both sides of the head
• Pressure in the forehead or temples
• Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles

Possible causes include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Long hours at the computer
• Poor posture
• Muscle tension in the neck
• Lack of sleep
• Teeth grinding

According to Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, muscle tension and stress often play a combined role in these headaches, and lifestyle adjustments can frequently help control them.

Migraine

Migraine is usually a moderate to severe throbbing headache, often affecting one side of the head. It may last for several hours or even days.

Typical migraine symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Aura in some patients (visual disturbances such as flashing lights)

Common migraine triggers include:

• Hormonal changes
• Skipping meals
• Excessive caffeine or chocolate consumption
• Intense stress
• Poor sleep
• Weather changes

Migraines can become chronic and often require medical supervision.

Sinus Infections

Inflammation of the sinuses can also cause headaches.

Common symptoms include:

• Pressure in the face
• Pain that increases when bending forward
• Nasal congestion or discharge
• Fever

Neck and Spine Problems

Poor posture, muscle spasms, and cervical disc problems can cause headaches that start at the back of the head and spread toward the temples. These are particularly common among people who work at desks.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes the importance of proper posture and regular exercise in managing headaches related to neck and spine problems.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, especially when it rises suddenly, can lead to severe headaches. The pain is often described as throbbing at the back of the head.

Eye Strain and Eye Disorders

Spending long hours in front of screens, uncorrected vision problems, and glaucoma can also cause headaches. Regular eye examinations are important.

Vascular Problems

Blockages or aneurysms in brain vessels can be life-threatening. A sudden and extremely severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life” requires immediate medical attention.

Brain Tumors

Not every headache is a sign of a tumor. However, in some cases brain tumors may initially present with headaches. Headaches that worsen in the morning, are accompanied by vomiting, or gradually increase in severity should be evaluated.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that persistent headaches with changing characteristics should always be investigated with imaging studies.

Head Trauma

Headaches may develop after falls, collisions, or head injuries. If accompanied by loss of consciousness or vomiting, urgent medical evaluation is required.

Hormonal and Metabolic Causes

Some medical conditions can also lead to headaches, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Low blood sugar
• Anemia

Psychological Factors and Headaches

Stress, anxiety disorders, and depression can increase muscle tension and trigger headaches. People who live under constant stress tend to experience headaches more frequently.

What Causes Headaches in Children?

In children, the most common causes include:

• Migraine
• Vision problems
• Infections
• Emotional stress

Sudden and severe headaches in children should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Are Headaches Dangerous?

Most headaches are not dangerous. However, some symptoms may signal a serious condition.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

• Sudden and severe headache
• Headache after trauma
• Fever, neck stiffness, or vomiting
• Vision or speech problems
• Weakness, paralysis, or fainting
• New headaches after age 50
• Headaches that progressively worsen or change in character

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı stresses that these symptoms may indicate serious medical conditions and should not be ignored.

How Are Headaches Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve several steps, including:

• Detailed medical history
• Neurological examination
• Blood tests
• Eye examination
• Brain MRI or CT scans

The specific tests depend on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings.

Daily Habits That Trigger Headaches

Some everyday habits may increase the risk of headaches:

• Drinking insufficient water
• Skipping meals
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Poor pillows or mattresses
• Excessive screen time

How Can Headaches Be Prevented?

Although it is not always possible to completely prevent headaches, the risk can be reduced by:

• Maintaining regular sleep patterns
• Managing stress
• Exercising regularly
• Practicing proper posture
• Taking frequent breaks from screens
• Drinking enough water
• Maintaining a balanced diet

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that people with chronic headaches should not ignore lifestyle adjustments.

Headaches Should Be Taken Seriously

Although headaches are often caused by simple factors, they can sometimes be the first sign of serious medical conditions.

Headaches that are:

• Frequent
• Severe
• Changing in character
• Accompanied by neurological symptoms

should always be evaluated by a specialist.

Experienced neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that headaches can usually be successfully managed with accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Taking the right steps at the right time is essential both for protecting your health and improving your quality of life.