Category: Headache disorders

While it might seem like inflammation is the culprit for all headaches, the reality is more complex; it is a significant contributor to certain types, like migraines, but far from the sole cause. **Are most headaches caused by inflammation?** Understanding the different triggers and underlying mechanisms is key to effective management.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that nearly 90% of adults will experience a headache at some point in their life, but for some, the pain refuses to subside. This persistent, lingering head pain can be frustrating and debilitating, leading many to ask, 'Why won't my headache go away?'

While often benign, Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a major cause of the severe, sudden-onset 'thunderclap' headaches that mimic more dangerous conditions like a ruptured aneurysm. This condition involves the temporary, but startling, narrowing of brain arteries, explaining why awareness of what is RCVs in medical terms is vital for timely medical assessment.