When micro-organisms invade the body a battle ensues between them and the body’s defenses. White blood cells are mobilized and some of them release active substances into the local circulation. A similar release of active substances occurs during allergic reactions, or when a weal of a blister following a burn forms on the skin. These substances cause intense pain, as well as an increased sensitivity to pain; they can be divided into two groups, kinins which are derived from protein breakdown, and amines, especially histamine, which causes more inflammation and makes blood vessel walls porous, to produce swelling and redness.
SinusitisThis pain often affects the area over the eye (frontal sinus) or below it (maxillary sinus). The pain often comes on after a cold which blocks the nose and occurs each day, being worse in the afternoons. The pain is caused by inflammation and stretching of the periosteum and vessels by pus under tension. The area is often tender to pressure or tapping and the diagnosis can be confirmed by X-rays.
MeningitisThis is an inflammation of the brain’s coverings (meninges) and is always associated with headache. The intense pain from the head gives rise to contraction of the muscles of the neck to produce the stiff neck which is a symptom of meningitis. It is a serious condition and when suspected, a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is necessary to examine the cerebrospinal fluid. With modern antibiotics, over 90 per cent of cases should be cured.
EncephalitisThis means inflammation of the brain and is another very serious cause of headache.
Dental infectionThis is sometimes a cause of headache but is more likely to cause pain in the jaws, and the lower more commonly than the upper.
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HEADACHES THAT ARE NOT MIGRAINE: INFLAMMATORY DISEASES
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