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