Toxic headache

Toxic headache

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

A toxic headache is the least common type of vascular headache that usually comes from a fever from acute illnesses such as measles, mumps, pneumonia and tonsillitis. Common hazards in our environment also cause toxic headaches with exposure. These include chemicals, fumes, pollution, allergens and other health hazards. These toxins can be found in our communities, workplaces, and homes.

A chemical factor from the outside or inside of your body can result in a toxic headache. Internal body sources are harder to identify, but usually arise when an organ fails to function properly. When this happens, in the bowels, liver or kidneys for example, the body builds up toxicity because waste products are not being removed as they should. The increase in toxicity levels may cause a headache. To treat these headaches, the organ dysfunction must be corrected to eliminate toxic waste.

Toxic headaches are considered an environmental illness when it is caused by exposure to a toxin. These headaches can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, including lead, insecticides, organophosphate pesticides, chemical solvents, acetaldehyde from alcohol (a hangover), carbon tetrachloride, and some household cleaners. This often happens through destabilizing the magnesium metabolism of the cell, which triggers a cascade of biological and neurological reactions, culminating in a migraine, toxic headache, or worse (such as neurological damage). The effect of alcohol can be magnified by "congeners" from alcohol fermentation.

Several common chemicals are toxic headache culprits. Nitrite compounds dilate blood vessels, causing dull and pounding headaches with repeat exposure. Nitrite is found in dynamite, heart medicine and it is a chemical used to preserve meat. Poisons, like carbon tetrachloride, insecticides and lead can cause headaches with exposure also. Ingesting lead paint or having contact with lead batteries can cause headaches.

Caffeine can be used to cure a headache by constricting dilated arteries. However, caffeine is also a chemical headache inducer for individuals who ingest lots of caffeine and are trying to cut back. Toxic shock syndrome can lead to headaches due to the staphylococcus aureus bacteria infection. Headaches are also a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. Toxic and polluted air can lead to toxic headaches with constant exposure.

Toxic headaches are treated by determining the cause of the headache and treating or removing it. But often the cause of a toxic headache is unknown because symptoms depend on the environmental or bodily cause. Symptoms may not appear for years or they can become gradually with more exposure. Many times the source of the headache will not be recognized until your symptoms continue or they only appear at specific places or times. Toxic headaches due to environmental causes are usually diagnosed by taking an exposure history, listing details about the places you frequent most days. Treatments vary based on symptoms and the cause of the headache.