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Risk Factors for Headache

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop headaches with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing headaches. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk Factors for Tension Headache

Specific Lifestyle Factors
Emotional stress, fatigue, or anger can result in tension headaches. Other risk factors include smoking and having too little physical activity, and too little sleep.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions are associated with tension headaches and tightening of the muscles in the neck, face, and scalp. These include:

Risk Factors for Migraine

Specific Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle triggers can vary from person to person. Some reported triggers include
  • Skipping meals
  • Too much or too little sleep
  • Emotional events
  • Smoking
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hangover
  • Loud or sudden noises
Certain foods can also trigger a migraine. Keep a food diary to help you learn which foods or food additives may cause your migraines. Reported triggers include:
  • Aspartame
  • Caffeine (or caffeine withdrawal)
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Aged cheeses
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Certain fruits and nuts
  • Fermented or pickled goods
  • Cured or processed meats
Medications
Use of certain medications may trigger a migraine, including:
  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (There may be some relationship between female hormones and migraines.)
  • Headache remedies used on a daily or near daily basis
Age
The highest incidence is in teenage years.
Gender
Migraine headaches are more common among females—with a 3:1 female to male ratio.
Genetic Factors
Migraines seem to run in families. Approximately 90% of migraine patients have a positive family history.
Other
Migraines may be triggered by the blood vessels overreacting to a variety of factors, including:
  • Menstruation
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in altitude, weather, or time-zone
  • Glaring lights
  • Perfumes or other odors

Risk Factors for Cluster Headache

Specific Lifestyle Factors
Cluster headaches seem to occur more often in smokers.
Medical Conditions
Having head surgery or a head injury increases your risk of cluster headache.
Age
Risk is greatest between 20-50 years old.
Gender
Males are at greater risk for cluster headaches than females.

Risk Factors for Sinus Headache

Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions increase nasal secretions and cause swelling in the tissues lining the nasal passages. These changes lead to nasal congestion and stuffiness. The nasal passages become blocked and normal drainage cannot occur. Secretions that are trapped in the sinuses may become infected with bacteria or, rarely, fungus. The swollen tissues or infection may create pain and pressure.
Conditions that increase sinus pressure and increase your risk of sinus headache include:

References

Bigal ME, Lipton RB. Modifiable risk factors for migraine progression. Headache. 2006;46:1334-1343.

Brandes JL. The influence of estrogen on migraine: a systematic review. JAMA. 2006;295:1824-1830.

Gardner KL. Genetics of migraine: an update. Headache. 2006;46:S19-24.

Headache—frequently asked questions. National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org/education/Tools%5Ffor%5FSufferers/Headache—Frequently%5FAsked%5FQuestions. Accessed September 11, 2008.

Headache. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail%5Fheadache.htm. Updated September 2012. Accessed November 7, 2012.

8/27/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Robberstad L, Dyb G, et al. An unfavorable lifestyle and recurrent headaches among adolescents: The HUNT Study. Neurology. 2010;75(8):712-717.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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