Causes of Chronic Headache

Learn about chronic headache causes and types with Dr. Saleh Atiyah in Amman

Chronic headache is defined as headache occurring 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months. It significantly affects quality of life, productivity, and mental health. It has multiple types and causes requiring specialized evaluation to determine the exact type and choose the most effective treatment.

Chronic migraine is characterized by severe episodes of throbbing headache usually on one side of the head with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Some patients experience a visual aura before the episode. The conversion of migraine from episodic to chronic occurs gradually and is linked to factors such as obesity, stress, and painkiller overuse.

Cervicogenic headache originates from problems in the upper cervical vertebrae and facet joints. It usually starts from the neck or back of the head and extends forward. It increases with certain neck movements. This type responds excellently to interventional procedures such as cervical facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation.