Headache explained

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

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