Have you been having frequent headaches lately? Has there been an alteration in your caffeine intake? If you are keeping yourself running on caffeine on a regular basis, chances are that caffeine consumption is leading you to have headaches.
It may cause your jaw to drop upon coming across the fact that caffeine can trigger headaches. This may happen if you consume coffee or caffeinated drinks daily. Suppose, for some reason, you could not get your daily dose. Be ready! A headache is about to be triggered.
In another case, suppose you have a deadline to meet but have very little time to cater to it. You decide to increase your working hours and choose caffeine to keep you awake for the extended time. Be ready! An alienated amount of caffeine is about to trigger a throbbing sensation in your head.
Presence or Absence ─ What Contributes to Headaches?
From the examples above, you may find it difficult to rule out caffeine is the ultimate cause of headache. In fact you may become unsure whether it helps reduce headaches as in some cases it does. If the absence and presence both contribute to headaches, what choice are you left with?
Here’s what you need to know.
Absence of Caffeine
Having coffee or consuming caffeine in other beverages over time regularly can create dependence for caffeine. Given that caffeine is stimulant for central nervous system, its absence can cause certain alteration in neurons transmission in the brain.
Since the body becomes used to caffeine due to overtime consumption, therefore its absence can lead to throbbing in both sides of your head. Hence, making its absence the cause of your headache.
Presence of Caffeine
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that keeps your body from falling into its natural mode of relaxation. This is why people all over the world consume coffee as it is rich in caffeine to avoid falling asleep.
For people who are sensitive to caffeine, one-time caffeine consumption to avoid falling asleep can cause headache. In fact, people who overindulge in caffeine are also prone to developing chronic headaches and migraine.
How Do You Know If It Is Caffeine-Induced Headache?
To understand whether the throbbing in your head is caused by any other stimulant or if caffeine is the culprit, you must learn what caffeine headache is and what the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are.
A caffeine headache is a type of tension headache caused by caffeine withdrawal. When your body becomes dependent on caffeine, skipping your usual dose can trigger a throbbing headache.
Caffeine headaches can vary in severity and presentation. Common symptoms include a dull, steady ache on both sides of your head, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and mild to moderate nausea. These headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
The Final Word
Not every headache is induced by caffeine consumption. However, you must understand that overindulgence of anything, be it caffeine, can have adverse effects on your health.
In case you are looking for a word of advice from an expert, reach out to professionals at Sleep & Headache Solutions. Dial (832) 688-8886 to hear from them or locate them at 13114 FM 1960 West, Ste 105B, Houston, TX 77065.