Headaches are one of the most common health problems experienced by people worldwide. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of adults will experience a headache at some point in their lives.

Headaches can range from mild to severe, and can be caused by a variety of factors.

In this article, we will take a look at 30 common causes of headaches in pictures. We hope that this visual guide will help you to better understand what may be causing your headaches, and to seek appropriate treatment if necessary.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches. When your body doesn’t get enough fluid, it can cause your brain to shrink and pull away from the skull, which can result in pain.

Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, dry mouth and lips, and a headache.

2. Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can cause a headache because it can cause pressure or pain in the sinuses. Sinus headaches are typically felt in the forehead and cheeks, and may also be accompanied by congestion, coughing, and a fever.

3. Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They usually feel like a dull ache that starts at the back of the head and moves forward.

Tension headaches are often caused by stress, anxiety, or poor posture and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

4. Migraine

Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brain and may be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.

5. Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are a type of headache that occur in cycles and usually last for a few weeks to months at a time. They are often described as a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head, and may also be accompanied by eye or nasal symptoms.

6. Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a growth that occurs within the brain. Headaches are often one of the first symptoms of a brain tumor, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

7. Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Headaches are a common symptom of a stroke and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, and difficulty speaking.

8. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the blood vessels in the brain. Headaches caused by high blood pressure may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision.

9. Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause headaches because it can cause the brain to be deprived of glucose. Headaches caused by low blood sugar may be accompanied by other symptoms such as hunger, weakness, and confusion.

10. Caffeine Withdrawal

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause headaches if consumed in excessive amounts. However, caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches if you consume caffeine regularly and suddenly stop.

Withdrawal headaches are often described as a dull, throbbing pain in the head.

11. Eye Strain

Eye strain can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the muscles and nerves in the eyes. Headaches caused by eye strain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes.

12. Neck Strain

Neck strain can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the muscles and nerves in the neck. Headaches caused by neck strain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness and soreness in the neck.

13. Jaw Clenching

Jaw clenching can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the muscles and nerves in the jaw. Headaches caused by jaw clenching may be accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw soreness and difficulty chewing.

14. Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the muscles and nerves in the jaw. Headaches caused by bruxism may be accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw soreness and tooth sensitivity.

15. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Sleep apnea can cause headaches because it can reduce oxygen levels in the blood.

Headaches caused by sleep apnea may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty staying asleep.

16. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can cause headaches in both men and women. Hormonal headaches are often caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels and may be more common in women during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

17. Over-Exertion

Over-exertion can cause headaches because it can put extra strain on the muscles and blood vessels in the body. Headaches caused by over-exertion may be accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle soreness and fatigue.

18. Overuse of Medications

Overuse of medications, particularly pain medications, can cause headaches. This is known as medication overuse headache and is often characterized by a dull, constant headache that persists throughout the day.

19. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause headaches because it can lead to dehydration and changes in blood flow. Headaches caused by excessive alcohol consumption may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness and impaired coordination.

20. Physical Trauma

Physical trauma, such as a blow to the head, can cause headaches. Headaches caused by physical trauma may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and changes in vision.

21. Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, can cause headaches because it can cause inflammation throughout the body. Headaches caused by the flu may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

22. Allergies

Allergies can cause headaches because they can cause inflammation and congestion in the sinuses. Headaches caused by allergies may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.

23. Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. Headaches are a common symptom of a brain aneurysm, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and changes in vision.

24. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve in the eye. Headaches are a common symptom of glaucoma and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision and halos around lights.

25. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide gas builds up in the body. Headaches are a common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion.

26. Brain Abscess

A brain abscess is a collection of pus that builds up within the brain. Headaches are a common symptom of a brain abscess and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, and changes in vision.

27. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint. Headaches caused by TMJ may be accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty chewing.

28. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can cause headaches because it can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Headaches caused by sleep deprivation may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

29. Spinal Headache

A spinal headache is a headache that occurs after a spinal tap or epidural. Headaches caused by a spinal headache may be accompanied by other symptoms such as neck pain and sensitivity to light and sound.

30. Medication Side Effects

Medication side effects can cause headaches in some people. Headaches caused by medication side effects may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and changes in vision or hearing.