Migraine headaches

It isn't clear why some people get migraines and others do not. Migraines often run in families. Experts aren't sure what causes migraines.

Tension headaches

The cause of tension headaches also is not clear. Experts believe there may be more than one cause of tension headaches. In the past, doctors believed that tension or spasms of the muscles of the neck, face, jaw, head, or scalp played a role in causing these headaches. Now they think a change in brain chemistry may also cause a tension headache.

What experts know about the causes of headaches is based on research in adults.