Unilateral headache
Unilateral headaches are a typical symptom of migraines or cluster headaches. Therefore, this type of pain should never be taken lightly, as there is often a disease behind it.
What are unilateral headaches?
Unilateral headaches are annoying and depending on the severity, it can take some time before the pain subsides. It can appear on the left or right, but also on the forehead. While the pain that affects the entire head can still be endured by many of those affected, the area-related headaches are usually very severe. They often present with a stabbing pain on one side of the head. In addition, there is usually a feeling of pressure that is typical of a one-sided headache. The doctor is helpful in clarifying the causes. Depending on the intensity, he may also prescribe medication to minimize the pain to a tolerable level.
causes
- migraine
Unilateral headaches are generally indicative of a migraine, for example when they are only on the right side of the head. When this happens, the pain is usually throbbing and throbbing. They often start in the back of the right head and radiate to the right forehead or right eye . In addition to the severe pain intensity, a migraine can also be recognized by the other symptoms that are typical of it.
These include, for example, an increase in pain through movement, although even light activities can lead to this. Equally characteristic are nausea , vomiting , a sensitivity to light , noise and smells, and transient neurological deficits.
- cluster headache
Cluster headaches can also be responsible for unilateral headaches. Typical of this is severe and paroxysmal pain. The symptoms usually accumulate in the morning hours and at night.
- brain tumor
It is advisable not to assume the worst, but a brain tumor can also be a cause. However, the probability of this is usually very low, since around 8,100 people fall ill with it in Germany every year. A brain tumor has similar and sometimes even the same symptoms as a migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness , paralysis , blurred vision , etc. Headaches caused by tumors increase over time, usually within a few weeks. After that they are permanent.
- Other causes
If these symptoms do not occur, problems with the teeth or eyes, an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses or certain complaints of the cervical spine can be the reason for a one-sided headache on the right side.
Diseases
- neurological deficits
When to the doctor?
Unilateral headaches can be an indication of a particularly strenuous phase of life. If they appear at a time when increased cognitive performance is required, they often disappear again as soon as this phase is over. This applies in particular to exam preparation. In these cases, a doctor should be consulted if the pain is experienced as a strong burden. It is often sufficient if there is sufficient sleep and more recovery occurs.
Before taking painkillers for the symptoms, consult a doctor. The drugs have side effects and can trigger other symptoms that must be clarified before taking the drug. If the symptoms continue to spread or if the pain increases in intensity, a doctor should be consulted. Since the causes of headaches include tooth problems or one-sided tension in the shoulders or neck, a doctor must localize the cause of the pain using various examination methods.
In severe cases, the headache is due to an ulcer, tumor, or bleeding in the brain. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the headache persists for a longer period of time or other functional disorders occur. They include disturbances in vision or hearing, as well as impairments in consciousness.
diagnosis and course
In order to make the correct diagnosis for a unilateral headache or to determine the correct cause, it is important to describe the headache and other symptoms in detail. It is helpful to keep a headache diary. Here you can write down when and in which situations the headaches occurred. A detailed neurological examination is also necessary.
If the findings are conspicuous, imaging diagnostics of the head can be carried out: a computer tomogram (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) . In the case of unilateral headaches, it is fundamentally important that serious diseases such as a brain tumor or cerebral hemorrhage are ruled out. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can also be performed, which measures brain waves. If you have a unilateral headache that lasts longer, you should always see a doctor to determine the cause.
complications
Irrespective of their intensity, unilateral headaches cause significant impairments in coping with everyday life. They lead to reduced perception, a reduced level of performance and poor concentration . Noise is perceived as particularly unpleasant and challenging cognitive tasks cannot be carried out as usual. The headache often reduces vision or hearing. This increases the general risk of accidents and interpersonal problems arise due to increased misunderstandings. One-sided headaches lead to a bad posture of the head. This releases muscle tension. Neck and shoulder pain are the consequences.
The pain can be an indication of other diseases. They include lesions of the brain or skull. In some cases, a tumor has formed in the brain that is causing the pain. Bleeding in the brain can be another complication. There is a risk of a stroke here. This is associated with lifelong health consequences. They include various functional failures, paralysis or other brain damage. In severe cases, the course is fatal or everyday life can no longer be managed without medical help. The one-sided headache sometimes indicates tooth or jaw problems. Misaligned teeth or inflammation are possible causes. Treatment is often associated with anxiety and repeated visits to the dentist. Panic attacks or hysterical behavior occur in anxious patients.
treatment and therapy
Depending on the cause of the one-sided headache, the therapies are also very different:
- migraine
A large number of medications are available for the treatment of migraines, for example simple painkillers , but also very special preparations intended for severe pain. In addition, it is advisable to treat yourself to absolute silence in a dark room for a day, as bright light and noise can make headaches even worse. Drinking too little can also trigger migraines.
- cluster headache
There is no cure for cluster headache, but effective treatment is available for many sufferers. However, it can take some time to find the optimal drug and dose. The usual painkillers usually do not help with cluster headaches. Alternative and naturopathic methods as well as relaxation exercises rarely help with cluster headaches.
The following remedies are also recommended for one-sided headaches: Homeopathic remedies (globules) for any type of headache. Belladonna for headaches that are very severe, pounding, or throbbing. Lycopodium for pain in the right forehead and Natrum muriaticum for a headache that feels like throbbing or bursting.
With a concussion, a sore tooth and also with a migraine, a wet, cold washcloth can relieve the pain. A painkiller provides additional relief. Unilateral headaches often lead to tension in the neck, just as this can also cause the pain. Therefore, a massage of the shoulders and neck, but also the temples, relieves the headache. It’s also often helpful to dab a few drops of peppermint oil onto your temples and massage them in gently with your fingertips in a circular motion. This provides a cooling, refreshing feeling and is good for the head. The oil relaxes the muscles and stimulates the cold sensors.
outlook and prognosis
One-sided headaches caused by tilting the head often disappear after a good night’s sleep. It is important to ensure that the head is held straight and is not tilted again.
In the case of pain caused by stress, too little sleep or strong excitement, the symptoms are also alleviated within a short period of time. After the successful management of the stress-triggering situation, spontaneous healing often occurs. This is also given with a sufficient night’s sleep and reduced excitement.
Headaches recur when reduced vision is present. As soon as this is changed with a suitable vision device, the headaches are relieved.
If the patient suffers from an ulcer or a tumor, the prognosis depends on the location of the tissue change and the stage of the disease. Small changes can often be completely removed. If a tumor has already grown significantly and is located in an area that is difficult to access, the disease can be fatal.
Tooth and jaw problems can usually be remedied with braces or surgery. Inflammations or infections are also easily treatable, so that the affected person is usually completely symptom-free after a few weeks. As soon as the underlying disease has healed, the one-sided headache also disappears.
prevention
First of all, good prevention is to drink plenty of fluids , as dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches. If too little water is drunk, the blood thickens and the oxygen supply decreases. The result: the head hurts. Eating regularly is also important, as hunger leading to a drop in blood sugar levels can cause a one-sided headache. Especially foods that contain a lot of magnesium are ideal. The mineral ensures calm nerves and relaxed muscles. Whole grain products, green vegetables and nuts are ideal.
Other foods, on the other hand, can act as triggers for headaches, which are also called triggers. The reason for this are the biogenic amines contained, for example in red wine, mature cheese , chocolate , wheat , pork, curing salt or glutamate.Exercise is just as important to avoid one-sided headaches, preferably outdoors, such as cycling, walking or swimming. Exposure to the sun and stress are considered risk factors. Permanent stress reduction and active relaxation are part of the long-term therapy for headaches.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.