What are Common Causes of Headache and Fatigue?

Headache and fatigue are commonly caused by physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Often, conditions such as the flu or other illnesses, anxiety or stress, or a poor diet or sleep habits can cause both a headache and fatigue. When a person experiences these symptoms frequently, he or she should seek medical advice in case they are caused by an undiagnosed illness.

There are two main types of headaches: primary and secondary. A primary headache is caused by the contraction of the blood vessels or muscles in the head, jaw, and neck. Migraines and tension headaches are examples of this type. The contraction of muscles and blood vessels can result from physical stress such as holding the head in an uncomfortable position for a long time or from stressful stimuli like bright lights or loud sounds.

A secondary headache occurs when the headache is a symptom of a different illness. An example of this is fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia regularly experience headache and intense pain across their body. There is no cure for this condition, but pain relievers and some alternative therapies may bring some relief.

Fatigue and fibromyalgia often go together as well. Many people with this condition report symptoms similar to those who have chronic fatigue syndrome. Aside from other illnesses, secondary headaches can also develop from fatigue.

Other physical ailments that can cause headache and fatigue include diabetes, diarrhea, and the flu. For mild illnesses, proper rest and medication can usually alleviate these symptoms. For diabetes and severe fatigue sufferers, a more advanced method of fatigue management may be needed.

Psychological factors that can cause a headache and fatigue include stress, depression, and anxiety. A person with depression may suffer from chronic fatigue. If the cycle of fatigue and depression is left unchecked, it could lead to a more serious psychological problem in the future.

Too much stress and anxiety can lead to tension headaches. This is one of the most common causes of headache in developed countries because of the regular exposure to stressful environments. Stress and anxiety may also lead to adrenal fatigue. A person with adrenal fatigue usually looks physically healthy but feels "drained" or tired.

Poor sleep is one of the most common causes of headache and fatigue, especially among students and workers. When a person does not get enough sleep, the body cannot fully repair itself. The hormones it normally produces also become imbalanced. These factors often lead to difficulty in concentrating and a feeling of weariness.

An unhealthy diet, coupled with pressure from work or school, frequently results in fatigue and high blood pressure, both of which can cause headaches. Lack of proper exercise also exacerbates these effects. Too much exercise, on the other hand, can lead to muscle fatigue.