Headache next to: symptoms, causes, drugs & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is one-sided headache?

One-sided headache is a type of primary headache that occurs on only one side of the head at a time. This type of headache is also commonly referred to as unilateral headache.

One-sided headaches can include:

Headache on the right side.
Headache on the left side.
Front headaches.
Back headache.

A person can experience one-sided headaches that are severe enough to be unable to carry out daily activities, such as going to work or school.

How common is this condition?

Headaches are among the most common complaints of pain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost half of the world's people have experienced it.

One-sided headache can affect anyone, from children to adults and the elderly (elderly). Both women and men have the same opportunity to experience this symptom.

However, you can prevent experiencing it by avoiding the risk factors that may occur. For more information, discuss with your doctor.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of one-sided headaches?

Symptoms of one-sided headache can include a dull throbbing or sharp aches and pains on one side of the head. The intensity ranges from mild to great. The pain is usually focused on one eye, one temple, or one side of the forehead.

The pain can come on gradually or suddenly, and can last from less than an hour to days. One-sided headaches can occur continuously or be recurrent (come and go), depending on the cause.

In general, other symptoms of headaches can include:

Pain that lasts all day.
Headache when waking up or waking up from lying down.
Fatigue.
Trouble concentrating.
Slightly sensitive to glare and sound.
Blurred vision.
Loss of appetite.
The pain is located behind one eye or eye area, and does not change sides.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. Symptoms that may appear in each person can vary, because different types of headaches have different symptoms.

One-sided headache is a type of headache included in the trigeminal autonomic cephalgia disorder, and it has four different headaches:

Cluster headaches

These headaches can occur around a certain season. They last 15 to 180 minutes.

Hemicrania continua headache

These headaches cause continuous pain on one side of the head for 24 hours, while also causing bouts of sharp pain. The sufferer will experience runny nose and teary eyes.

Paroxysmal hemicrania headache

It is similar to hemicrania continua, but the person has had shorter attacks lasting less than 24 hours, and they will be pain free in between.

SUNCT and SUNA

This is a short-term headache that rarely causes severe attacks within seconds on one side of the head, with teary eyes and a runny nose.

When should I see a doctor?

Usually headaches are harmless and can resolve on their own over time. However, some cases of one-sided headaches may be a sign of a more serious illness, such as headaches, a sign of a brain tumor or stroke.

Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following conditions:

Experiencing extreme pain that you have never felt before.
Feeling a sudden pain in the head area.
Pain followed by confusion and difficulty understanding what other people are saying.
Fainting or loss of consciousness.
High fever, higher than 39-40 degrees Celsius.
Stiff neck.
Experiencing visual disturbances so that it is difficult to see things.
Has trouble speaking or walking.
Nausea and vomiting, unless you have a cold or are drunk.

If you experience a one-sided headache, it is important to seek evaluation by a neurologist or headache specialist.

Examination is essential and brain imaging is often required to rule out secondary causes.

Cause

What are the causes of one-sided headaches?

One-sided headaches can be caused by certain lifestyle or medical conditions. You can also experience one-sided headaches due to several different causes.

Here are some things that can generally cause one-sided headaches:

1. Dilation of blood vessels

The widening of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain on one side of the head can cause headaches in the other. This dilation puts pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which animates sensory sensations from the face to the brain. However, it is not known why this widening occurred.

2. Release of histamine

This type of headache can be caused by the sudden release of histamine. Histamine is an organic nitrogen amine compound that functions as a neurotransmitter in your brain, spinal cord and uterus.

This compound also functions to fight allergens or serotonin that regulate mood.

3. Nervous disorders

In many cases, headaches can also be caused by nerve problems. Some of the neurological disorders that can cause one-sided headaches are:

Occipital neuralgia: large pressure on the occipital nerve which is above the spinal cord and extends down the neck to the base of the skull.
Giant cell arteritis:inflammation and damage to the arteries that carry blood flow to the brain. Giant cell arteritis is often referred to as temporal arteritis or Horton's disease. Generally, giant cell arteritis is experienced by someone aged 50 years and over.
Trigeminal neuralgia: a disorder that causes pain in the trigeminal nerve. These nerves are the main nerves on the face which are located at the temples. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic disease that can cause severe and debilitating headaches throughout the body.

3. Lifestyle factors

The causes of right-sided headaches are also most often due to factors such as:

Stress.
Fatigue.
Irregular eating habits (eating late or skipping meals).
Neck muscle problems.
Long-term pain relievers.
Drinking excess alcohol.
Lack of sleep
Eat less healthy foods, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, processed meats, and salty foods.

4. Migraine

Migraines are attacks of extreme headaches that can only be felt on one side of the head. Until now, it is still uncertain what causes migraines. However, migraines may come from a combination of genetic factors, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.

5. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are the most severe type of headache and are part of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia headache disorder.

Cluster headaches are a series of headache attacks that are relatively brief but very severe and painful. The cause of cluster headache is unknown, but the cluster headache pattern suggests a role for the hypothalamic brain disorder.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of having one-sided headaches?

There are several factors that can increase your chances of experiencing headaches on the one hand, namely:

1. Age

Everyone can experience headaches on one side. However, certain types of trigger headaches are more susceptible to experience by certain groups of people.

Take for example,cluster headache which is more common in people aged 20-50 years while migraines are more common in adolescents and adult women.

2. Lifestyle

Smoking habits, lack of exercise, stress, eating irregularly, drinking alcohol frequently, and sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep make it easier for you to experience one-sided headache.

3. History of other health problems

Having a history of injury to one side of the head, glaucoma to one side of the eye, brain tumors, hypertension, and stroke can increase your risk of having a headache on the affected side.

4. Genetic

The types of migraine and cluster headaches are reported to be related to genetic factors.

If anyone in your family has a history of migraines or cluster headaches, your potential for developing this condition is greater than other people who don't.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose this condition?

Your doctor will initially check your symptoms, how long you've had them, and review your personal and family medical history.

If your condition seems complicated and serious causes are suspected, your general practitioner may refer you to a neurologist who is more trained to understand your condition.

There are several medical tests that can be done to diagnose this condition.

1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is a technique of taking photos of parts of the brain and blood vessels using a strong magnetic field.

The results of the photos produced using MRI will be used by doctors to diagnose tumors, strokes, bleeding in the brain, infections, and other problems related to the brain and nervous system.

2. Computerized tomography (CT)

CT scans are usually done using X-rays to take photos of the brain from various angles.

The results of the photos obtained from the CT scan will be used by doctors to diagnose tumors, infections, brain damage, bleeding in the brain and various other health conditions that may cause pain in the head area.

What are the treatment options for one-sided headaches?

There are several drugs that you can use to relieve headaches.

Mild headaches can be easily treated with headache medications in pharmacies, including paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

However, these drugs have the potential to cause rebound headache if used long term.

The choice of drug must also be adjusted to the type of headache that attacks. If you have a stronger headache, your doctor will prescribe a stronger pain reliever.

For example, the drug dihydroergotamine to treat migraine symptoms that last more than 24 hours. Other drugs such as verapamil and opioids must be redeemed by a doctor's prescription if they are to be used.

Furthermore, treatment options will usually be adjusted again with your age, the frequency with which you experience this condition, its causes, its severity, and any other health conditions you have.

Headaches that are triggered by problems with nerves, injuries, or other health conditions (such as hypertension or stroke) may need to be treated first for the underlying cause.