Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes are related to everyday stress.

Headaches are broken down into three basic categories. A primary headache occurs to millions on a daily basis. Primary headaches constitute the vast majority of headaches, and are almost never life threatening. Despite this frequency of occurence and a lack of life threatening danger, the primary headache can be very uncomfortable.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious form of headache, that although not life threatening, can cause debilitating pain. Secondary headaches are sometimes a sign of a deeper neurological issue.

Most primary headaches are related to tension. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. This can cause a severe amount of pain. Although the reasons behind the contraction of cranial muscles are unknown, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress.

Significant emotional stress usually leads to cranial pressure, and therefore a tension related headache. Prolonged physical stress, such as hard manual labor that is engaged in for several hours, can also result in headaches caused by tension.

Cluster headaches happen less frequently, and usually only afflict a tiny segment of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name "cluster" headache. This grouping pattern makes treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes.

Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. This is much rarer than primary headaches.

A secondary headache can signify a deeper neurological issue at work.

Headaches that occur frequently or on a regular basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon.

Evan