Don’t you just love the feeling of a throbbing migraine? That moment when your head feels like it’s about to explode is priceless, isn’t it? No? Well, if you’re anything like me – and let’s hope for the sake of our species that you’re not – then your answer would be an emphatic no.

Headaches are a common ailment that plague many people today. They can range from mild discomforts to debilitating attacks that spoil an entire day or week. In this article, we’ll explore what causes headaches so you can take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Anatomy of a Headache

So what exactly happens during a headache anyway? Good question! A headache occurs as a result of changes in activity and blood flow within the brain itself or surrounding tissues. This leads to inflammation and stimulation of pain-sensitive structures such as nerves and muscles.

Migraine Madness

Ah, migraines…the bane of my existence (and perhaps yours too). These are severe headaches characterized by pounding pain on one side of the head accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. But why do they happen?

Migraines may be caused by genetic factors (thanks Mom & Dad) but other triggers could also play roles such as stress (who needs relaxation anyway), bright lights (what’s wrong with something dimmer than 15 watts), certain foods (goodbye chocolate forever) among others. So basically anything fun might make this headache come knocking at your door!

Tension all around us

Tension headaches are another type characterized by dull pressure on both sides of our heads typically found after long days at work trying not to strangle Karen from accounting for making yet another terrible coffee brew attempt.

These types may arise due stressful environments (again karen) or activities that strain neck and head muscles. (Those few too many hours spent binge-watching Stranger Things last night)

Cluster Headaches: The Name Speaks for Itself

Cluster headaches, as the name suggests, can occur in ‘clusters’, or multiple attacks within a short space of time lasting from 15-180 minutes and are incredibly painful.

These types may arise due to abnormalities in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus (no one knows what it does either). Smoking and alcohol consumption have also been linked to clusters which is bad news if you’re my friends at University!

Sinus Infection Battles

Sinusitis can cause congestion leading to inflammation causing discomforts around our eyes resulting in sinus headaches.

Ever had rhinovirus or allergies? You could acquire this type then! The key for prevention would be proper treatment of all related conditions (use your allergy meds early & often).

Thunderwoooooork strikes again – Another thunderclap headache?

Thunderclap headaches are notable for occurring suddenly with intense pain tending towards falling down like Acme anvils onto our heads (cue Looney Tunes theme song) They typically reach full intensity within a minute lasting anywhere from five minutes till forever…

And what causes these demonic pains you might wonder? Physical exertion, sexual activity; yes folks even that successful date on Saturday might give you more than just butterflies!

In simpler terms: “He felt so good he practically collapsed upon orgasm feeling stars dancing before his eyes as pain made him realise this was not just any ordinary date gone well”.

Ice cream Headache Syndrome ~ Finally Science agrees we need ice cream daily!

Ever quickly munched away bites of your favourite ice-cream all at once only finding yourself wincing with sudden sharp jabbing sensations penetrating both sides?

Yes…that happening right there confirms initiation into another branch club known ice cream headache syndrome (thank you medical academia).

So why does this happen? It’s still up for debate but we could blame the sudden temperature changes our mouths go through due to rapid cooling and warming of tissues here.

Dehydration Creates a Parched Mind

Dehydration can cause headaches, sensitivity to light and sound. So stay hydrated folks (but not with sugary drinks)!

Conclusion

Headaches come in all shapes, sizes and intensities (like me on a date). But armed with knowledge on their causes, we can take steps to prevent them from derailing our daily lives or forcing us into bed rest (Netflix binging excluded). Stay healthy!