If your head is throbbing, you’re not alone. Headache is one of the most common pain conditions in the world. Up to 75% of adults worldwide have had a headache in the past year. Headaches are a major cause of absenteeism from work and school. They also take a toll on social and family life. For some people, continually battling headaches can lead to feeling anxious and depressed.
Headaches have a tendency to run in families, especially migraines. Children who have migraines usually have at least one parent who also suffers from them. In fact, kids whose parents have migraines are up to four times more likely to develop them too.

What causes headaches?

Headache pain results from signals interacting among the brain, blood vessels and surrounding nerves. During a headache, an unknown mechanism activates specific nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels. These nerves send pain signals to the brain..

What causes migraines?

Migraines aren’t fully understood. But researchers think migraines result when unstable nerve cells overreact to various factors (triggers). The nerve cells send out impulses to blood vessels and cause chemical changes in the brain. The result is disabling pain.

Cluster headaches

ICluster headaches are the most severe type of primary headache. Cluster headaches come in a group or cluster, usually in the spring or fall. They occur one to eight times per day during a cluster period, which may last two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into remission) for months or years, only to recur later. The pain of a cluster headache is

• Intense with a burning or stabbing sensation.
• Located behind one of your eyes or in the eye region, without changing sides.
• Throbbing or constant.

How are headaches evaluated and diagnosed?

If you have headaches often or if they are very severe, reach out to your healthcare provider. You can usually start with your family physician, where the diagnosis process will begin. It’s important to diagnose headaches correctly so that specific therapy can be started to help you feel better. Your healthcare provider will complete a physical examination, discuss your medical history and talk to you about your headache symptoms. This conversation is part of a headache evaluation. During the headache evaluation, your provider will ask you about your headache history, including

• A description of your headaches.
• What the headaches feel like.
• How often the headaches happen.
• How much pain the headaches cause you.
• How long the headaches last each time.
• What foods, drinks or events trigger your headaches.
• How much caffeine you drink each day.
• What your stress level are.
• What your sleep habits are like.
• If you have any work issues.

Your headache can be more accurately diagnosed by knowing

• When the headache started.
• How long you have had the headache.
• Whether there is a single type of headache or multiple types of headaches.
• What causes the headache, if known (for example, do certain situations, foods, or medications usually trigger the headache?).
• How often the headache occurs.
• If physical activity aggravates the headache pain.
• What events are associated with the headache.
• Who else in your family has headaches.
• What symptoms, if any, occur between headaches.