Chronic headaches are persistent pains lasting over 15 days monthly for at least three months, often caused by migraines, stress, or rare conditions like NDPH and hemicrania continua. Recognizing symptoms early and consulting healthcare providers is key to effective treatment and relief. This article explores causes, indicators, and when to seek medical advice.

Recognizing Chronic Head Pain: Causes and Key Signs

Ongoing headaches that last more than fifteen days per month over a period of three months or longer are classified as chronic. These headaches can be persistent or recur intermittently, severely affecting daily routines. Identifying the root causes is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

Chronic headaches generally fall into four primary types:

Migraines

Stress headaches

Hemiplegic Kontinuum

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)

Common underlying factors include:

Migraines: These involve recurring episodes where headaches persist more than eight days each month over several months. They typically cause unilateral or bilateral intense pain, along with sensitivity to light and noise, and may be accompanied by nausea. Triggers include vigorous activity and frequent medication use leading to rebound effects.

Stress-related headaches: Often called tension headaches, these produce a sensation of tightness or pressure around the head. Common triggers include emotional stress, sinus issues, fatigue, poor posture, prolonged screen time, and illnesses like cold or flu.

Less frequently seen causes:

New Daily Persistent Headache: Appears suddenly in individuals with no prior history, combining features of migraines and tension headaches but not linked to physical exertion.

Hemiplegic Kontinuum: A primary headache disorder characterized by persistent unilateral pain, sometimes accompanied by symptoms like tearing, nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, or agitation.

Less common reasons include head injuries, brain tumors, infections, vascular problems, and abnormal intracranial pressure. If you experience these symptoms frequently or rely heavily on pain medications, consult healthcare professionals promptly. Proper diagnosis ensures suitable treatment and effective management of persistent headaches.