Three to five percent of adults today are sufferers of chronic headaches. A chronic daily headache is labeled as such when it lasts multiple days without relief. Being able to find the cause of these chronic headaches can greatly benefit headache sufferers everywhere. These headaches are extremely draining and debilitating, which causes a lower immune system. There are four subtypes of these chronic headaches; new daily persistent headaches, hemicrania continua, chronic tension-type headaches, and chronic migraine headaches.

Symptoms of Chronic Headaches- Signs and symptoms are specific for each type of chronic headache. A new daily persistent headache begins without warning and may last up to as many as three days. The pain affects both sides of the head, with a tight feeling instead of throbbing. Occasionally, there is sensitivity to light and sound, as well as some nausea.

This kind of chronic headache ranges from moderate to severe intensity and never eases up. Due to its severity, this type of headache even causes swelling of the face on the side of the headache. The swelling will cause redness of the eye and nasal congestion / running. The fourth subtype is a new daily persistent headache, which starts suddenly and lasts multiple days in a row. There isn't a throbbing pain involved, but a tight feeling on both sides of the head. This chronic headache might bring about sensitivity to light and sound or even nausea.

There is sometimes nausea or vomiting included, as well as being sensitive to light and noises. Chronic tension-type headaches are generally a pressing feeling on both sides of the head and there might be nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, but not always. New daily persistent headaches have a sudden start and last up to three days. Both sides of the head hurt and it is a tightening feeling, not throbbing. There might be either nausea or sensitivity included also.

Risk Factors to Avoid- Reports and studies over the years have shown women are affected more often than men are by chronic headaches. The risk factors are the same, whether the person suffering is a man or a woman. Risk factors can include obesity, anxiety, or snoring.

Risk Factors Involved- The risk factors found to be involved with chronic headaches include; snoring and obesity, anxiety and depression, as well as many disturbances during sleep. Overusing pain medication or caffeine can also be risk factors that will increase chances of chronic headaches. These factors may come individually with each person, or many all together. Women have been known to be affected more often than men in studies performed on chronic headaches.

An Expected Diagnosis- Doctors are able to scan the brain, but using an MRI, CT Scan, or an X-ray to look for disruptions. A blood or urine sample may also be taken in order to run analysis on either of them. Doctors are able run tests and ask just the right questions in order to find the causes of chronic headaches.

Forms of Treatment- If a medical condition is the cause for a chronic daily headache, medication can be given to curb the attacks. When there isn't a medical condition involved, preventing headaches from ever occurring is the ultimate goal. This can be achieved by keeping the risk factors discussed previously to a minimum.