Toxic headache

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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.

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.

These headaches can also be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, including lead, insecticides, organophosphate pesticides, chemical solvents, 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).

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 headaches are treated by determining the cause of the headache and treating or removing it.