What Are the Causes of Long-Term Headaches?

Long-term headaches are chronic headaches that can happen every day for an extended period of time. Migraines and tension can produce frequent headaches that may be debilitating. Headache pain may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or prescribed drugs.

Rebound Effect

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the frequent use of pain medications can cause a rebound effect that may result in an increased frequency of headaches.

Pain Signal Disorder

• Many chronic headache sufferers may have a heightened sensitivity to pain or a malfunctioning pain signal in the brain.

Underlying Diseases

• Brain tumors and infections such as meningitis can cause frequent headaches.

Other Conditions

• People with pinched nerves in the neck, traumatic brain injuries and abnormal pressure in the skull may experience daily headaches. Inflammation of the blood vessels around the brain may also lead to headaches.

Risk Factors

• People with depression, anxiety and sleep disorders have a greater risk of developing headaches. Obesity and the overuse of caffeine can also increase the risk of headaches.