Headaches are among the most frequent health issues across the globe. In the last year, between 50 % to 75% of adults have suffered from headaches. Of these people, at least 30% have suffered from migraine.
Headaches can affect multiple regions of the head, and, in some cases, may be on only one side. This article will look at the kinds of headaches that trigger this type of pain on one side and causes, treatment options and the right time to consult an expert in healthcare.
Left Side vs. Right Side Headaches
Sometimes, headaches only show in one area of your head. It could be on the left or on the left side. It’s not understood why pain may be only present on the one part of the skull however, it is believed to be related to vasculitis. It’s an inflammation of blood vessels.
This head-related pain can result from a variety of headaches, such as headaches that cause migraines, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
Migraine
The term migraine refers to a type of headache that is usually accompanied by the pain to throb in one head side. It can occur on the right or left side.
There are various types of migraine. This includes:
- Migraine and aura is when a patient experiences certain warning signs before the beginning of a migraine, such as having flashing lights.
- Migraine without aura It is the most commonly experienced migraine. It typically occurs without warning signal.
- Migraine aura that doesn’t cause headaches It is also known as a quiet migraine. It occurs when aura or other signs of migraine are present however the patient doesn’t suffer from headache.
The pain of a migraine could vary from mild to severe. Over 12% the adults living in the United States are affected by migraine. They are 3 times more prevalent among women than males and are often a part of families.
Alongside a throbbing sensation on the other face migraines may be accompanied by additional symptoms.
They could be:
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Sensitivity to smell
- Sensitivity to contact
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vision changes, like an aura
- A tingling sensation or feeling of numbness on the hands, face or feet
Migraine-related headaches can get worse with increased activities, making migraines especially difficult.
The symptoms of migraine may be seen on the face. This can cause migraines that are mistaken for sinus headaches. Signs and symptoms that are present within the neck could be confused with arthritis or muscle spasms.
It is also possible for a migraine to be caused by sinus-like symptoms for example:
- Nasal congestion
- The pressure in the face
- Eyes watery
Many people who believe they suffer from a sinus headache may actually be suffering from migraine.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are uncommon, but severe pain headaches are known by how they develop. People who suffer from cluster headaches might experience an occasional headache for 4 up to twelve weeks. The headaches can occur in the form of a “cluster” and usually occur simultaneously throughout the day.
The pain of headaches that cluster can be intense and often occurs on the opposite face, or behind the eye.
The headaches that cause clusters of pain are most frequent among men, and typically begin when someone is in their 30s or 40s.
Once the pattern of headaches ceases then the headaches should go completely. Then the period of remission starts. It’s a time that is free of any symptoms of headache, and could last for months or even years prior to headaches recur.
Clusters of headaches can occur at any time of year, and are more common during the fall or spring seasons.
Cluster headaches may manifest with a myriad of symptoms. They typically appear rapidly.
It could be a sign of:
- A burning, sharp or piercing sensation on one of the sides of the head.
- Pain severe
- Eye pain or temple, or on either side of your face.
- Eyes red
- Eyes watery
- One eye has a smaller pupil.
- Eyelids that are swelling or drooping
- Runny or blocked nostril
- Face sweat
- Agitation
- Reluctance
A painful attack with a cluster headache may last anywhere from 15 minutes up and up to 3 hours. The headaches can happen up to eight times per day, and may last for months or weeks.
For certain people who suffer from chronic pain, it is so intense that it may cause them to jog or even rock in order to take the discomfort.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches are a kind of secondary headache. That means it’s caused by a other issue within the body. The majority of headaches caused by cervicogenics originate from by neck pain.
If not treated, the pain caused by a cervicogenic headache could be extremely crippling. Patients suffering from Cervicogenic headache might suffer from:
- Headache that is worsening due to neck movements
- The headache can worsen after pressure has been applied to specific places on the neck
- The neck is able to move more slowly.
Other signs could be:
- The pain is in one area of the skull
- Eye pain
- Neck pain
- Arm pain
- The shoulder is aching
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sounds
-
Vision blurred
Causes of Left or Right Sided Headaches
Headaches can result from many reasons, which could include genetics, environmental factors stress, and other causes.
Migraine
The precise cause of migraine has yet to be identified. It is believed to be due to an abnormality in the brain , which affects brain blood vessel signals, nerve nerves and brain chemicals.
Genetics, the person’s genes and hereditary markers cause certain people to be more susceptible to migraines than others.
Migraines can be triggered through a myriad of causes. This includes hormonal changes, stress , tension, anxiety, shock depression, fatigue poor sleep low blood sugar levels shift work, as well as jet time.
Cluster Headaches
Similar to migraine, the reason of headaches that cluster together is unclear. It is believed that it is related to hypothalamus activity, an area in the brain that makes hormones that control various bodily functions.
It is possible that genetics play an important role in the creation the cluster headache.
Smokers are at a higher chance of developing cluster headaches. Other possible triggers are:
- Alcohol
- A strong smell can be detected in gasoline, paint or even perfume
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches can arise from a variety of factors, including:
- Whiplash (sudden force that causes the neck and head to move backwards and then forward)
- Fracture in the neck
- The neck is a common area of arthritis.
- Nerve pinched
- Slipped disk
- The neck muscle is injured
- The neck muscle is injured
- Injury
- A fall
-
Poor posture
Did You Not Know?
There are over 300 types of headaches. Only about 10 percent of them are caused by a recognized cause.
Treatment
The treatment for headaches differs according to the type of headache. It may involve physical therapy, medication or at-home solutions.
Migraine
The migraines can’t be treated however treatments can alleviate symptoms. Treatment options for migraines include:
- Painkillers
- Triptans (medications to stop certain changes in the brain that cause migraines)
- Anti-nausea medication
- Treatments at home, such as sleeping in a dark place
Cluster Headache
The over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers don’t help with cluster headaches since they don’t have enough speed of action.
Three treatments will relieve pain if they are used in the early stages of the cluster headache. They are:
If done at the appropriate timing, these treatments could relieve pain in 15 to 30 minutes.
Cervicogenic Headache
Treatment for headaches caused by cervicogenics focuses on the source of the pain, usually located in neck.
Treatment options include:
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
-
Blocks the nerves
When should you see an Healthcare Professional
If you suffer from headaches that come back or your headache doesn’t get better with painkillers, visit a physician.
You should also consult your doctor if you have:
- The pain is intense either on the sides or front of your head.
- You vomit.
- You are nauseated.
- Noise or light can be to be painful.
- There is discomfort in your jaw when you take a bite.
- Your vision is blurred.
- Double vision is what you have.
- Your scalp is swollen.
- There is numbness in your legs or your arms.
- You are weak in your legs or arms.
You should dial 911 or visit the emergency room ifyou:
- Your headache suddenly started and the pain is intense.
- You’ve suffered an injury to your head.
- You are blind.
- You are lost.
- There are sudden problems in speaking.
- There are sudden problems in memory.
- You’re experiencing an extremely high temperature.
-
Eyes’ eyes’ eyes have red eyes.
Summary
It is normal for headaches to be confined on either the right or left-hand side. The reason why headaches only affect on one of these sides is not well comprehended. The headaches can be classified under migraine, cluster headaches or cervicogenic headaches.
One Word Of Verywell
Headaches are not uncommon, but it is possible to be permanently debilitating. If you’re experiencing headaches, be aware that assistance is readily available. For starters, think about scheduling appointments with your medical professional. A professional in the field can help determine the type of headache you’re experiencing and provide treatment options and provide advice on the best way to handle your triggers.
Headache
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