Headaches are a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that can significantly affect daily life.

There can be many reasons why someone might develop a headache, ranging from something as simple as dehydration to more complex issues like neurological problems. In this article, we will explore 30 possible causes of a headache.

1. Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are usually caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulder region. Other common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, and poor posture.

Symptoms of a tension headache include mild to moderate pain that is usually felt as a constant pressure or tightness around the forehead or at the back of the head.

2. Migraine

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that typically occur on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea, and vomiting.

Migraines can be triggered by a range of factors including certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, and environmental factors such as bright lights or loud noises.

3. Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful headaches that occur in “clusters” or cycles, usually lasting for several weeks or months at a time.

They typically occur on one side of the head and are often felt as a severe, burning or stabbing pain around the eye or temple. Other symptoms include redness and watering of the eye on the affected side, congestion, and sweating.

4. Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinuses, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. They are characterized by pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and nose.

Other symptoms may include a stuffy or runny nose, fever, and fatigue.

5. Rebound Headache

Rebound headaches, also known as medication-overuse headaches, occur when someone takes pain relief medication for an extended period.

They can occur due to overuse of any pain medication, including over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, but they are most commonly associated with overuse of prescription migraine medications. Symptoms include a constant dull ache that can be felt in different parts of the head.

6. Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by dysfunction in the neck and upper back region. They are usually triggered by neck movement or posture and characterized by pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the back of the head or ears.

Other symptoms may include stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint. It can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, ear, and neck. TMJ disorder is often caused by grinding teeth at night, or clenching the jaw from stress.

Other symptoms may include clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw.

8. Concussion

A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when a blow to the head causes the brain to shake inside the skull. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light and noise.

They may occur immediately after the injury or several days later.

9. Dehydration

Dehydration can cause a headache by reducing blood volume and oxygen supply to the brain. Symptoms of dehydration headache include a dull ache that is often felt on both sides of the head, as well as fatigue, dizziness, and a dry mouth.

10. Hangover

Hangovers are caused by excessive alcohol consumption. They are typically characterized by a throbbing headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise. Hangover headaches are often accompanied by dehydration, low blood sugar, and inflammation.

11. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that is caused by a build-up of pressure inside the eye. It can cause headaches, especially around the eyes, nausea, and blurred vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

12. Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a rare but serious cause of headaches. Symptoms of a brain tumor headache include a constant dull ache that is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include seizures, memory loss, and changes in vision or hearing.

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13. Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Symptoms of a stroke headache include a sudden, intense headache that is often described as the worst headache someone have ever had.

Other symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, difficulty speaking or understanding, and vision problems. Stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

14. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause headaches, especially in the back of the head and neck. People with high blood pressure may also experience dizziness, blurred vision, and chest pain.

High blood pressure can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.

15. Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can cause headaches, especially in people with diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar headaches include a dull ache that is often felt on one side of the head, as well as fatigue, shakiness, and confusion.

16. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and restart during sleep. It can cause headaches, especially in the morning. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, snoring, and dry mouth or sore throat upon waking up.

17. Vision Issues

Unresolved vision problems can cause headaches. People with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia may experience headaches, especially when trying to read or focus on objects.

Eye strain from staring at digital screens for prolonged periods can also cause headaches.

18. Posture Issues

Poor posture can cause headaches. Sitting or standing in the wrong position for prolonged periods can cause tension in the neck and upper back, leading to headaches. People who work in desk jobs are especially prone to posture-related headaches.

19. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation or menopause, can cause headaches. These headaches are often described as dull and persistent, with pain that can be felt on one or both sides of the head.

20. Allergies

Allergies to environmental triggers such as pollen or dust can cause headaches. Other symptoms of allergy-induced headaches may include nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing.

21. Caffeine Withdrawal

Drinking large amounts of caffeine regularly can lead to dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to cut back or quit. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

22. Infection

Infections such as the common cold, flu, or sinusitis can cause headaches. They are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, and fatigue.

23. Trauma

Any trauma to the head or neck region can cause headaches. Symptoms of headache due to trauma may not appear until several days after the injury, and can include nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noise.

24. Medication Side Effects

Some medications can cause headaches as a side effect. Common culprits include antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.

Headaches due to medication side effects often disappear after stopping the medication or changing to a different medication.

25. Dental Issues

Dental issues such as tooth decay or infection can cause headaches. The pain is usually felt around the head and face, and may be accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling, and tenderness in the mouth or jaw.

26. Muscle Strain

Strained or tight muscles in the neck and upper back region can cause headaches. People who engage in activities that require repetitive movements, such as computer work or weightlifting, are at particular risk for muscle strain-related headaches.

27. Food Triggers

Some foods, such as chocolate, cheese, and processed meats, can trigger headaches in certain people. Other possible food triggers include alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are high in nitrates or monosodium glutamate (MSG).

28. Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can cause headaches due to the physical and emotional strain that they place on the body. People with anxiety or depression often experience tension headaches or migraines that are triggered by stress or other emotional factors.

29. Ear Infection

An ear infection can cause a headache, especially if it is accompanied by pain and pressure in the ear. Other symptoms of an ear infection may include fever, difficulty hearing, and fluid drainage from the ear.

30. Neck Arthritis

Arthritis in the neck region can cause headaches, especially in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms of neck arthritis may include stiffness in the neck, weakness in the arms or legs, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.