Headaches

There are over 150 different types of headaches, and the number of causes are as numerous. The most common headaches are triggered by factors that may include:
 
Stress
Stress is a common trigger that prompts your body to release certain chemicals that cause changes in your blood vessels, often leading to a headache.
 
Foods
Certain foods and beverages, like alcohol, can trigger headaches. In people who are sensitive to them, specific food additives, such as nitrates or monosodium glutamate (MSG) may bring on a headache.
 
Injury
If you’ve been involved in a collision or fall where your head took the brunt of the impact, a headache could be the sign of a concussion, and you should be evaluated right away.
 
Illness
Often, headaches are a symptom of another health condition, the most common being sinus headaches. These headaches are a result of a sinus infection, which creates a dull throbbing behind your cheeks and eyes. Allergies may also contribute to sinus headaches.
 
A few other examples of diseases or conditions that may cause a headache include:

• Glaucoma
• Brain tumor
• Dehydration
• Brain aneurysm
• Meningitis
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• High blood pressure, or hypertension
• Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain

While most headaches aren’t serious and go away on their own, some may signal a more serious condition that requires emergency medical care.

Thanks to a well-equipped facility, the doctors at Village Emergency Centers review your symptoms, perform an examination, and order testing based on your symptoms. These tests may include:

• An MRI
• A CT scan
• Cognitive tests
• X-rays