Headache explained artwork
Mental Health Training

Headache explained

  • S5E268
  • 38:12
  • August 14th 2022

One of the body’s most influential alarm signals is a headache, which is often a sign of physical or psychological overload. A headache occurs because of a primary or secondary cause.

Globally, it has been estimated that the prevalence among adults of current headache disorder is approximately 50%. Half to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 worldwide have had a headache in the last year.

Primary headaches

Migraine, or tension headaches, are among the most common primary headaches that lead people to seek medical treatment, and they affect an estimated 3 billion people each year.

This type of headache isn’t a symptom of any disease, but a condition on its own. It is a “primary headache“ because it is the main concern. Often, stress and disruptions in your sleep patterns cause these headaches. 

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches manifest as a symptom of another health disorder.  Different types of illnesses and disorders can cause a headache, including:

  • Infection 
  • Medication Overuse
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Mental Health Conditions
  • Head Injury or Trauma
  • Stroke
  • Tumour
  • Nerve Disorders
  • Sinus Congestion

Learn more

Mental Health Training