secondary headaches
If I get headaches does that mean I have a headache condition or suffer from migraines?
Not necessarily. Some conditions or disorders are known to cause headaches (a category known as secondary headaches), such as head, neck or brain injuries, vascular disorders, increases or decreases of pressure within the skull, substance use or withdrawal, medication-overuse, infection, changes in barometric pressure, sleep apnea, dialysis, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, fasting,
Head, Neck, or Brain Injuries
Headaches that are the result of a physical injury to the brain, head, or neck are usually also accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, trouble concentrating, anxiety, personality changes and trouble sleeping. Today this collection of symptoms is known as post-traumatic syndrome. If you have had an injury to your head, neck, or brain you are likely already under treatment or received treatment from a doctor. If not, please go as you are experiencing symptoms that deserve evaluation.
Most commonly the type of headache pain reported by people with head, neck or brain trauma is like that of a tension headache – a steady sensation of pressure, or swelling with discomfort anywhere from mild to moderate. This headache usually comes on immediately or within a few days of injury. Important note: It is not that unusual for a headache to develop weeks or months after a trauma.
Structural Problems with the Head or Neck
Cervicogenic headache is a pain felt in the back of the head which is believed to originate due to problems with the neck (top two or three levels of the cervical spine) including poor posture, injury, arthritis, or invertebral disc disease.
Vascular and Other Brain Disorders|
How do you know it’s a headache and not something more serious like a stroke? Without examination by a medical professional, it is not possible. Headaches are sort of an “early warning system” that something is going wrong, especially when accompanied by neurological symptoms. Always get unusual headaches and symptoms checked out by a qualified medical professional.
Cranial Neuralgia
“Neuralgia” means nerve pain. The most commonly diagnosed condition which can cause headaches in the back of the head is occipital neuralgia.
Occipital neuralgia is known for causing ongoing pain and muscle spasms in the back of the head, neck, and upper back. The condition appears to be more common in women than in men. The pain may be felt as originating in the neck area and then spreading out to other areas. The pain can be single sided or on both sides of the head. Many people describe their pain as stabbing, pulsating, or electric shock-like. Other symptoms can include pain or tenderness in the forehead, eye area, and scalp, and sensitivity to light.
Occipital neuralgia can be treated many different ways. Most commonly, treatments to reduce tension such as massage, relaxation, and physical therapy are used. In other cases antidepressants are prescribed. Steroid injections and nerve blocks can also be used to treat the pain.
Occipital neuralgia is commonly applied to cases of pain in the back of the head or neck, but is not always the cause. Before you accept a diagnosis, check for physical evidence that your nerves are affected. Keep in mind that when x-rayed, many people will show signs of “arthritis in the spine.” Many people can show signs of arthritis but remain pain free. Also keep in mind that people who suffer from occipital neuralgia feel constant pain not attacks which come and go.
Substance Use or Withdrawal
For people who suffer from headaches, “substance” can be defined as drugs and alcohol, over-the-counter medication, chemicals, foods, and food additives. Sometimes headache is your body’s way or warning you that you are being exposed to a toxic chemical like carbon monoxide or nitric oxide. The intake or overuse of alcohol, drugs like cocaine and marijuana, can also cause headaches. Histamines can cause headaches. Food additives like MSG have been linked to headaches.
Medication-overuse
Medication-overuse is a very common problem for headache suffers. Taking pain relievers and other medications on a regular basis will cause your body to become dependent on these medications. When an expected dose is missed, a headache will develop. Medication-overuse will be discussed in detail in Chapter 4: Getting Help.
Infection
Headaches are a normal symptom of viral infections like influenza as well as more serious infections like sepsis. Headaches accompanied by fever and other symptoms like stiff neck should always be examined by a qualified medical professional.
Changes in Barometric Pressure
Acute Mountain Sickness
Low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes (more than 8000 ft) can cause headaches and other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and insomnia. This condition can be prevented by climbing slowly and taking the time to become acclimated to the atmospheric changes. In some cases AMS can be fatal.
Diving
Divers headaches can be attributed to many causes ranging from tension, anxiety, poor fitting mouth pieces to carbon dioxide toxicity (due to infrequent or shallow breathing) and decompression sickness. Decompression sickness is caused by the formation of gaseous bubbles during the rapid decrease in pressure when rising back up to the surface of the water.
Sleep Apnea
Headaches can be a symptom of numerous sleep disorders. Headaches in the case of sleep apnea can be attributed to insufficient oxygen as suffers are known to stop breathing or breathe very lightly while sleeping. Sleep apnea is an increasingly common condition which can be diagnosed by spending the night in a “sleep lab” where one’s vital signs are monitored. This kind of testing can be set up by speaking with one’s physician or other qualified medical professional.
Once sleep apnea is diagnosed there are numerous treatment methods. Many people see success simply by losing weight. Others wear devices during the night to ensure breathing. This includes CPAP and C-FLEX (newer option) units. Others seek out surgical solutions such as the removal of tonsils and a new treatment called somnoplasty, in which low levels of radiofrequency are used to remove tissues from the back of the roof of the mouth as well as the uvula (tissue which dangles down at the back of the mouth.)
Dialysis
Patients undergoing dialysis (artificial replacement for kidney function that can is otherwise lost) may experience headaches. Most patients undergoing dialysis and who experience headaches are recommended to speak both to their doctor and to the technician administering treatment.
High Blood Pressure
Usually people who have high blood pressure do not experience any warning symptoms. For this reason high blood pressure is referred to as “the silent killer.” Sometimes headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and/or nausea can be symptoms of this condition. If you are concerned you may be affected by high blood pressure, please call your doctor and schedule a physical.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid system. Headache among other symptoms like low energy, difficulty losing weight, cold limbs, depression, slow thinking, fluid retention, dry skin, brittle nails, and chronic constipation may also be experienced. Hypothyroidism can only be diagnosed via blood test by a qualified medical professional.
Fasting
Skipping meals and low blood sugar can cause headaches.
Heart Disease
Headaches can be a symptom of heart disease, specifically iscaemic heart disease – the narrowing of the main arteries supplying blood to the heart. Heart disease can be detected by your doctor by checking your heart health. If you suspect you may be suffering from heart disease, please do not hesitate to contact your doctor and schedule an exam.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous factors which can cause headache, some common and some unusual. Not all headaches are the result of a headache or migraine condition. This is why it is important to rule out all other factors.
