About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 21, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
...
7
...

Causes and Treatments of Migraine Headaches (cont.)

Medical Author:
Coauthor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are related to physical problems and include the following:

  • Space-occupying intracranial (inside the head) lesions: The headaches associated with intracranial tumors are initially paroxysmal. Classic headaches of this type wake a person from sleep at night and are associated with projectile vomiting. With time, the headaches may become continuous and intensify with activities that increase intracranial pressure (for example, coughing, sneezing).

  • Meningeal irritation: Meningitis, especially the chronic forms (tuberculous, fungal), can irritate the meninges (membrane covering the brain and spinal cord) and result in chronic headaches. The headaches are often diffuse (spread out).  

  • Posttraumatic headache: Headache can be part of a postconcussion syndrome. Patients may report vague headaches, fatigue, memory problems, and irritability for months or years after the traumatic event.

  • Temporal arteritis: This is an inflammation of some of the arteries of the extracranial (outside the skull) arteries. The headache is generally localized to the affected side and may be worsened by chewing.

  • Post-lumbar puncture (spinal tap) headache: Lumbar puncture can cause a headache that is worsened by sitting up from a lying position. It usually goes away by itself after the person drinks fluids and has caffeine in some form.

  • Referred pain: Headache may be a form of referred pain from neighboring structures. Dental disease can cause chronic headaches. Upper neck diseases or arthritis can also cause headaches. People with acute sinus or jaw problems can experience headaches; however, uncomplicated chronic sinusitis does not cause headaches.

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (benign intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri): This disorder, most common in young women, is due to increased intracranial (within the head) pressure in the absence of any structural central nervous system abnormality or obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Must Read Articles Related to Causes and Treatments of Migraine Headaches

Botox
BOTOX Injections Botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) is a material that has been known for over a century and used for medical purposes for more than 50 years. Botox injections can imp...learn more >>
Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Migraine and Cluster Headaches
CAM for Migraine and Cluster Headaches In the United States, alternative and complementary medicine is growing rapidly and includes treatment of many health conditions, including pain. In 2002, accor...learn more >>
Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common...learn more >>

Living Better

Find the secrets to longer life.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Migraine and Related Headaches »

Headache is a pervasive symptom and the most common problem neurologists encounter in their clinical practices.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies