What is a headache?

A headache is pain in the region of the head or neck. In the case of a headache, it is not the brain that is in pain, but rather the area around it. The reason for this is that the brain lacks pain receptors and is unable to perceive pain.

The areas around the brain that do feel pain are divided into nine regions: cranium, muscles, nerves arteries, veins, eyes, sinuses, mucous membranes, and subcutaneous tissues.

What causes a headache?

Headaches are frequently referred to as a non-specific symptom, meaning their causes can be numerous. Most commonly they appear in the form of migraines, which is a chronic disorder that results in headaches on one side of the brain, as well as nausea, and occasional vomiting. A migraine can last anywhere from 2 hours to 3 days. Migraines are usually hereditary, but can also be caused by stress, fluctuating hormones, and pregnancy (although some women actually see a decrease in the amount of migraines they receive during pregnancy). Other causes for headaches can range from neck problems, to overuse of medication. Although headaches are typically not serious, in some cases they may be signs of a more serious problem.

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