Waking up with throbbing pain on one side of your head is an unpleasant feeling, especially if you have important tasks to tend to. This apprehension is often followed by questions and web searches in an attempt to find out why your headache is solely focused on one side of your head and if it is a cause for concern. To ease your concerns, the OnlyMyHealth team had a conversation with Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice-Chairperson, Neurology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.
Here is a carefully curated guide that will help you navigate through the hows and whys of your left-sided headache and might end up easing the stress that could be causing it.
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What Is A Left Side Headache?
With headache disorders affecting 488 million people in India, according to a Lancet study, understanding the nuances of the same makes managing your symptoms a little easier. Dr Rohtagi explains that you can have headaches on either side, however the indicators can vary and help us understand the root cause. He highlights that a left-side headache doesn't indicate that your heart is involved or a specific area of the brain is involved, instead, it is the nature of the headache that matters. Elaborating on the same, our expert lists indicators and what they could potentially be hinting at.
Migraine
Dr Rohtagi says, “If you have a unilateral headache with vomiting, and don't like being around light or sound, then it usually indicates a migraine which is one of the commonest types of headache.” Unilateral discomfort (having discomfort or pain on one side of your head) is a primary indicator of migraine, and these moderate to severe headaches, which can last anywhere from four to seventy-two hours, are localised, sharp, and stabbing.
Other symptoms include,
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Visual Discomfort
Tension Headache
Our expert notes that the second commonest type of headache is a tension type headache which is induced by stress that can be emotional in nature or otherwise.Tension headaches may affect just one side of the head and are often mild to moderate in intensity. You can also experience facial or neck pressure in addition to discomfort.
Tension headaches are frequently caused by,
- Clenching of the jaw
- Skipping of meals
- Insufficient sleep
- Excessive effort or overwork
- Depression
- Anxiety
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are rare and extremely severe. They occur in recurring groups, or clusters, with each attack lasting one to three hours. Symptoms include,
- Sudden, severe pain on one side of the head, often behind one eye
- Pain reaching full intensity within 10–15 minutes
- Agitation and restlessness
- Red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Forehead sweating
- Drooping or swollen eyelids
During active phases, attacks can occur daily or several times a day. These are usually followed by remission periods that can last months or even years.
Lifestyle Factors
Frequent headaches, often localised, may also be caused due to significant lifestyle factors. The following factors can trigger headaches,
- Drinking alcohol
- Skipping meals
- Experiencing stress
- Lack of sufficient sleep
Additionally, consuming processed foods with preservatives or artificial dyes may cause headaches in some individuals.
When Should You See A Doctor?
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“No matter what kind of headache you have, you should see a doctor, however, there are certain red flags for us when we examine a patient with a headache and determine if it is a cause for concern”, says Dr Rohtagi. Here are some red flags or warning signs that will help you determine if a visit to the hospital is absolutely necessary.
- Persistent headache
- Having fits or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- An accompanying fever
- Visual disturbances
- Neurological deficit that manifests as weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Recurrent vomiting
Conclusion
A left-sided headache is not inherently different or more concerning than a right-sided headache. According to our expert, it is the nature of the headache, along with associated symptoms, that helps determine its cause. While most headaches are manageable, it is essential to seek medical attention if warning signs such as persistent pain, neurological deficits, or visual disturbances arise.