Vascular headaches are thought to involve abnormal function of the blood vessels of the brain. Types of vascular headache include toxic headaches and cluster headaches.
Cluster headaches are a rarer form of vascular headache. They usually strike several times in rapid succession. Cluster headaches are more common among men and can be extremely painful.
A toxic headache results from the fever that accompanies an acute illness. Some disorders known to cause toxic headaches include measles, mumps, pneumonia and tonsillitis. Toxic chemicals that are allowed to enter the body also can cause toxic headaches. Examples include lead, insecticides, chemical solvents, alcohol and some household cleaners. Treatment for a toxic headache is geared toward determining and treating or removing the cause of the headache.
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External Source
 | Office of Scientific and Health Reports, The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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