Headaches are a common occurrence that many people experience. It can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, poor diet and even changes in the weather. But why and how do headaches occur? After all, the brain itself has no pain receptors.
Brain tissue is not sensitive to pain
One of the features of the brain is the absence of pain receptors. This means that the brain itself cannot feel pain. If we could reach inside the skull and pierce the brain, it would not cause pain. The proof of this is neurosurgical procedures in which stimulation of brain tissue in awake patients caused no pain.
Awake brain surgery is performed quite often. This allows doctors to monitor the patient’s abilities and make sure the procedure doesn’t damage healthy parts of the brain. And all of this can be done without pain for the patient.
Nociceptors and headache
Unlike the brain, the rest of the body has nociceptors, which are special sensory receptors that alert the central nervous system to harmful stimuli. Nociceptors can respond to a variety of stimuli such as temperature, chemicals, pressure, and tissue damage.
When we touch a hot surface or are injured, the nociceptors transmit signals of harm to the brain, which causes pain. The brain perceives this signal and reacts to it, causing further reactions in the body.
Headaches – different types and causes
Headache is a general term that can encompass different types of pain in the head, face and neck area. Understanding the different types of headaches can help identify their causes and treatment options. Some of the most common types of headaches are listed below:
1. Migraine: this is one of the most serious and debilitating types of headaches. It is characterized by throbbing pain in one half of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a feeling of light sensitivity. The causes of migraine are not fully understood, but it is believed that genetic predisposition and certain external factors such as stress, diet and environmental changes may contribute to its development.
2. Cluster headaches: this is a rare but very intense type of headache. It is characterized by sharp and intense pain in one half of the head, usually around the eye. Cluster headaches can last from a few minutes to several hours and occur in the form of “attacks”. This type of headache is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as lacrimation, nasal congestion and redness of the eye. The causes of cluster headaches are unknown, but they are thought to be related to abnormalities in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
3- Tension headache: this is the most common type of headache. It is characterized by mild to moderately intense pain in the head and neck area. Tension headache is often associated with physical or emotional tension, stress and fatigue. It can be caused by improper body posture, staying in one position for long periods of time, or even poor lighting.
4. Dehydration headache: dehydration can be one of the causes of headaches. Lack of water in the body can cause constriction of blood vessels in the brain, leading to pain. Therefore, it is important to drink enough water, especially in hot weather or when you are physically active.
How to deal with a headache?
There are several ways to deal with headaches. Here are some of them:
– Rest and relaxation: rest and relaxation can help relieve tension and reduce headaches.
– Massage: massaging your head, neck, and shoulders can help you relax and reduce pain.
– Applying cold or heat: applying a cold compress or hot towel to the head area can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
– Avoiding triggers: knowing your triggers – the factors that cause headaches – can help prevent them from occurring. These can be certain foods, stressful situations, or environmental changes.
– Using medications: for severe headaches, you can take analgesics or consult your doctor for prescription medications.
Headache is a common occurrence that many people face. Understanding its causes and types can help you choose the most effective treatment option. But keep in mind that for frequent and intense headaches, you should see a doctor for professional advice and diagnosis.
