by EBSCO Medical Review Board

A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get headaches with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting headaches are greater in people who have many.

Risk Factors for Tension Headache

Lifestyle Factors

Stress, tiredness, or anger can cause tension headaches. Not getting enough sleep may also lead to headaches.

Health Problems

Depression and anxiety are two health problems that have been linked to tension headaches.

Risk Factors for Migraine

Migraines often start in late childhood. They are most common in people who are 45 to 65 years of age. They are also more common in women and in people who have other family members who have had this problem. Other things that may raise the risk are:

Lifestyle Factors

Triggers can differ in each person. Some are:

  • Missed meals or fasting
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Sleep problems
  • Stress
  • Alcohol

Certain foods and drinks can trigger headaches in some people. They may need to be avoided.

Health Problems

Depression and anxiety are two health problems that have been linked to migraine headaches.

Medications

Some medicines may raise the risk, such as:

  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
  • Headache medicine used on a daily or near daily basis
Other

These headaches may be started by blood vessels overreacting to things like:

  • Menstruation
  • Changes in altitude or weather
  • Strong lights
  • Perfumes or other strong smells

Risk Factors for Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches often start in people who are 10 to 39 years of age. They are also more common in men and in people who have other family members with this problem.

Lifestyle Factors

Cluster headaches seem to happen more often in people whosmoke.

Health Problems

Depression and anxiety are two health problems that have been linked to cluster headaches.

Risk Factors for Sinus Headache

Health Problems

Some health problems cause mucus and swelling in the tissues lining the nose passages. This can cause pain and pressure. Health problems that raise the risk are:

References

Cluster headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cluster-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Migraine in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/migraine-in-adults. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Tension-type headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tension-type-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
  • Review Date: 11/2021
  • Update Date: 03/09/2021