All of us get headache at one time or the other. Headache is not a disease. It is a symptom. It is simply an indication that there is something wrong in some parts of the body or the nervous system. Do you know what causes it?

          The brain is a very important part of our body. It is protected and covered by the skull. There are certain arteries, veins and tissues in the skull that are sensitive to pain. When these arteries, veins or tissues get hurt, we experience pain in the head or headache.

          These particular areas sensitive to pain are affected by many factors. Whenever any parts of our body get hurt, their pain reaches these places causing headaches.

         If, due to any reason, there is a contraction in the muscles near the head and above the neck, there can be headache. It can be caused by a brain tumour too. But it will be limited to the area where it is located.

          Headache is also caused by hunger, dislocations in the bones of neck, loss of sight, fever, etc. Anxiety, mental tension, excessive drinking and anger, etc., are also the causes of headaches. Under these conditions, the arteries, veins, tissues and muscles undergo certain changes and cause headache. Allergies can also cause headaches. Migraine is a common condition characterized by paroxysmal headache, occurring in bouts, often affecting only one side of the head and frequently preceded by visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. In such cases often a family history exists to this extent. If the headache persists for a long time, we should consult a competent neurologist. A neurologist can distinguish between a headache caused by a serious nerve or brain disease and one that is caused by a less serious condition.