6 Types of secondary headaches and their triggers

Secondary headaches are caused by conditions elsewhere in the body.

So writes Will Sinclair for Momentum Health’s Jump magazine, quoting Dr Eliot Shevil, medical director of The Headache Clinic.

He had a look at the more common types of such secondary headaches, as well as what triggers them.

ALSO READ: Things you need to know about pregnancy and migraine

Here’s a brief summary. (As always, seek professional help if your headache is out of control).

1. HYPERTENSION: High blood pressure that has reached dangerous levels.

2. ALLERGY/SINUS: Anything that clogs up your sinuses can cause a headache of note.

3. MEDICATION OVERUSE: Taking too many pills can mean not taking them results in a headache.

4. CAFFEINE: Too much, or too little (if you’ve been having it for a long time).

5. EXERTION: Physical exercise means more blood flow, which can bring on a headache.

6. HORMONE: Fluctuations caused by birth control pills, pregnancy and other things can cause a headache.

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