There are primary and secondary causes of headaches. Primary headaches are those that just happen with no illness or condition causing them. Secondary headaches are caused by illness, traumas, or brain disorders. The difference between primary and secondary headaches is that secondary headaches are the symptom of another problem and not the primary problem; however, secondary headaches can be just as excruciating as primary ones.
Primary headaches
- Tension headaches are muscle tension in the scalp and neck and can be are made worse by stress or anxiety
- Migraine headaches are related to vascular pain
- Cluster headaches are rare severe headaches
Secondary headaches
- Are caused by an underlying medical condition such as infection, inflammation, and head trauma
- Head trauma can cause a stretching or pulling of pain sensitive parts of the head