What causes tension headaches?

 Tension headaches may be caused by the following:

• Stress
• Certain foods and beverages
• Sleep problems
• Sinus and allergy problems
• Muscle tension, which can be caused by jaw clenching and poor posture
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hormonal changes in women
• Certain medicines

What causes cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches do not appear to be related to other illnesses or to diseases of the brain.
  Some of the triggers of cluster headaches include:

• Taking certain medications (such as nitroglycerin)
• Heavy smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• An interruption in your normal sleep pattern
• Abnormal levels of certain hormones
• Problems with the hypothalamus, which controls your body's "biological clock"

What causes rebound headache?

Prescription and over-the-counter medicine for migraines (such as aspirin and acetaminophen) can cause rebound headaches if you take them too often. If you get rebound headaches, these medicines should not be taken more than 2 days per week. Sedatives, tranquilizers and ergotamine medicines also can cause rebound headaches. Talk with your doctor to find out if you should stop taking these medicines or should take less of them.

How are headaches diagnosed?

Your doctor often can tell what kind of headache you have by examining you and hearing your description of the pain. Your description of your headaches will help your doctor make the diagnosis. The time and pattern of attacks are important, so keep a diary of your pain. A headache diary can help you and your doctor know exactly when you are getting headaches, what might be triggering them, and what helps relieve the pain.

Family members or others who see you during a headache can also help by telling the doctor how you look and act. Don't be embarrassed to tell your doctor about your attempts to relieve the pain (such as banging your head against furniture). These attempts are common, and talking about them will help your doctor judge how severe the headaches are.

Blood tests, X-rays or brain scans--such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)--usually are not needed to diagnose headaches.