Headaches and Stress: How Are They Connected?
Are Headaches Caused By Stress? Many people may wonder if headaches are the direct result of stress. The answer is yes, no, and maybe. There are three different types of headaches, two of which are not caused primarily by stress, and one that may be: • Migraine Headaches: Headaches associated with migraines can be severe and even debilitating, and can last from 4 to 72 hours. These headaches are usually on one side of the head (unilateral), and worsen with daily activities like walking around. There can be nausea or sensitivity to light and sound involved, and sometimes an aura. They are not thought to be directly caused by stress—sort of. While the National Headache Foundation (NHF) states that stress is not a migraine trigger, headache expert Teri Robert clarifies by saying, “Stress alone doesn’t trigger Migraines but it does make us more susceptible to our triggers.” So, in a way, stress increases Migra
