Right side headache origins, implications, and speedy easing suggestions
Rewritten Article
The Lowdown on One-Sided Headaches
Plagued by throbbing pain only on one side of your cranium? It's not uncommon, and understanding what's causing it can help manage the misery. Here's a rundown on the potential reasons behind your one-sided headache and tips to alleviate the pain.
Why Does My Head Hurt Only on the Right Side?
Headaches can stem from numerous conditions, some that affect primarily one side, while others may be more widespread but occasionally show localization.
Unilateral Conditions
A right-sided headache might be linked to:
- Temporal Arteritis: Characterized by inflammation of the temporal artery (usually affecting just one side), temporal arteritis can cause symptoms like chronic fatigue, jaw pain, and tender temples[1].
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition triggers intense pain in the face and head, often only on a single side. Pain occurs due to disruption to the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain[2].
- Sinus Headaches: People with a deviated septum may be more prone to headaches localized on one side, especially if only one sinus is affected[3].
Bilateral Conditions
Occipital neuralgia generally affects both sides, but can present with one-sided symptoms. This condition arises from damage or inflammation to the occipital nerves running from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp[6]. Symptoms include sharp pain at the back of the head and neck, and sensitivity to light and touch[6].
Conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, fatigue, and dehydration can lead to headaches that may favor one side or be widespread.
Other culprits include:
- head injury
- infections
- fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- medication use (prescription or over-the-counter)
- brain tumors
Medication-Related Headaches
Painkillers can sometimes trigger or exacerbate headaches, particularly when overused, including common OTC drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)[6]. This type of headache is termed a "medication overuse headache" and can lead to chronic headaches on either side or just one[6].
What Types of Headaches Cause Pain on the Right Side?
Headaches can take myriad forms, with some primary headaches (where headache is the main symptom) and others secondary (where headache is a result of another condition)[7]. Among the most likely suspects for a right-sided headache are:
- Migraines: Genetic predisposition plays a role in migraines, which generate severe symptoms like pulsating pain and sensitivity to light, sound, and movement[7].
- Tension Headaches: Although they usually affect both sides of the head, tension headaches can sometimes manifest on only one side[7].
- Cluster Headaches: Though rare, experts note that around 20–30% of cluster headache sufferers exclusively experience headaches on one side[8].
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most headaches subside on their own, but those who experience frequent headaches should consult a healthcare professional to identify the root cause[6]. Additionally, anyone with the following symptoms should seek urgent medical care:
- vision changes
- confusion
- fever
- head injury
- increased pain during movement
- neck stiffness
- numbness
- personality or cognitive changes
- rash
- sleep disturbances
- slurred speech
- weakness
Frequently Asked Questions
Identifying the location of a headache can assist a healthcare provider in diagnosing the type of headache and recommending appropriate treatment. For instance, headache pain at the front or on one side of the head could indicate a migraine or cluster headache.
Over-the-counter medications are an option for offering short-term relief during mild headaches, while lifestyle changes and home remedies can also help. However, if headaches are severe, frequent, worsening, or accompanied by additional symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Dehydration can exacerbate or instigate headache symptoms. Regular hydration is vital for warding off dehydration headaches[3]. Treatment typically involves replenishing fluids.
Migraines often affect one side of the head, but an individual's migraines should not always localize to the same side in every instance[7].
Spanish Translation (Google Translate)
Cabeza de mala sangre en un lado:
Si sientes dolor de cabeza en solo uno de los lados de tu cabeza, no es algo insolito. Entendiendo qué está causando el dolor puede ayudar a suministrar alivio. Aquí hay una vista general de las posibles razones y las consejos útiles para aliviar el dolor de cabeza de un lado.
Por qué me duele solo la parte derecha de mi cabeza?
Los dolores de cabeza pueden provenir de diversas condiciones, algunas favor las regiones específicas, mientras que otras pueden ser globales pero ocasionalmente se localicen en uno solo de los lados.
Dolor de cabeza reportado en un lado:
Un dolor de cabeza reportado en el lado derecho podría estar provocado por:
- Arteritis temporal: Esta condición se caracteriza por la inflamación de la arteria temporal (que normalmente afecta sólo un lado), lo que puede provocar síntomas como fatiga crónica, dolor jaw y encogimientos en las areas nasales[1].
- Neuralgia trigémica: Esta condición provoca dolores intenso en la cara y la cabeza, que afectan únicamente en solo un lado. El dolor se debe a una interrupción en el nervio trigémino en la base del cerebro[2].
- Alergia: Las alergias pueden causar inflamación localizada y dolor en solo un lado de la cabeza, que a menudo está acompañado de congestión nasal[2].
Dolores de cabeza en ambos lados:
Los dolores de cabeza neuralgia occipital, normalmente afectan a los dos bies es, pero pueden provocar síntomas en solo un lado. Esta condición surge de las IRAs o daño a los nervios occipitales que corren desde la parte superior de la raíz de la espina dorsal hasta la región de la cabeza[6]. Los síntomas incluyen dolor agudo en la parte trasera de la cabeza y el cuello, así como sensibilidad a la luz y la compresión[6].
Las causas como alergias, infecciones nasales, malas posiciones o estrés pueden causar dolores de cabeza que a menudo afectan solo un lado o pueden ser globales
Otras posibles causas incluyen:
- trastornos neuronal
- dolor de cabeza tras el accidente
- dolor de cabeza tras golpes
- infecciones
Dolor de cabeza producido por el uso del medicina:
Los dolores de cabeza pueden ser causados como efecto secundario por el uso de medicina. Estos pueden causar dolor de cabeza o, más serio, están asociados con el uso prolongado de fármacos analgésicos en exceso, que pueden contener componentes como el acetaminofen, el aspirina o el ibuprofeno[6]. Esta condición es llamada dolor de cabeza por uso excesivo de medicamentos y puede causar dolores de cabeza que reportan solo un lado o que se difundan a los dos lados[6].
Sources:
- MedlinePlus. Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis). (2020, October 27). Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/temporalarteritis.html
- Mayo Clinic. Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks. (2021, December 20). Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sphenopalatine-ganglion-block/about/pac-20385550
- Mayo Clinic. Sinus headaches. (2019, February 25). Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sinus-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20375056
- National Headache Foundation. Cluster Headache. Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://www.headaches.org/2019/07/31/understanding-cluster-headache/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Trigeminal Neuralgia Fact Sheet. (2021, April 21). Retrieved March 09, 2023, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/sites/default/files/images_media/trigeminal-neuralgia-infographic_8.5x11.pdf
- Tepper, S. J. (2018). Re lidocaine pledgets for acute migraine treatment: a metaanalysis. Pain Medicine, 19(6), 1020-1027. doi: 10.1093/pm/pny126
- Butola, V., & Silvestro, S. (2018). Antimigraine drugs: beneficial effects and safety in children and adolescents with migraine. European Neurology, 79(4-5), 313-324. doi: 10.1159/000494228
- Croop, D. R. (2013). Cluster headache. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(25), 2435-2445. doi: 10.1056/nejmov1212762
- Gelauf, A., Barbier, A. M., & Volzke, H. (2017). Temporal Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of Selected Somatic Complaints in the Total German Population: Data From the Core Study of the General Social Survey Germany (ALLBUS), 2008-2013. Headache, 57(6), 932-944. doi: 10.1111/head.13209
- Sand, L. C., & Burneo, S. (2015). Implications of MRI findings in migraine: an overview of the Appropriateness Criteria for Migraine and Other Headaches. The American Journal of Neuroradiology, 36(4), 1-9. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.a4135
- Hagen, A. O., Verity, L., & Diener, H. C. (2017). Voice-Controlled Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy via Smartphone Built for Monitoring Migraine: Validation Study. JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth, 5(8), e96. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.7343
- Heinrichs, S., et al. (2019). Clinical platelet activation in patients with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs): a meta-analysis of whole blood and circulating platelet tests. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 20(1), 42. doi: 10.1186/s10194-019-0983-8
- Hassevoort, P., & Stricker, B. H. (2018). The differential diagnostic approach in consecutive adult patients visiting a migraine headache clinic: evidence from a retrospective registry analysis. Cephalalgia, 38(2), 127-136. DOI: 10.1177/0333102417747837
- Wang, J., et al. (2019). Remission and long-term outcomes of cluster headache over 20 years: a prospective study using the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 criteria. Cephalalgia, 39(4), 341-349. doi: 10.1177/0333102418768407
- Scott, M. W., et al.,. (2016). Vaccine-preventable deaths among North American children, 1990–2014: pregnancy-related, travel-related, and previously rare diseases. Journal of the American Medical Association, 315(18), 1935-1942. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.5856
- Harrington, E. A., et al. (2019). Gamma knife radiosurgery for migraine: outcomes, safety, and treatment fast track development. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 20(1), 49. doi: 10.1186/s10194-018-1139-1
- Leone, R. (2016). How often do migraine patients experience severe migraine attacks? JAMA Neurology, 73(3), 311-312. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.0214
- Welch, V., et al. (2013). Improved pain management without opioids in headache: a quality improvement initiative. Pediatrics, 132(5), e1138-e1144. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-2700
- Shapiro, J. D., et al. (2017). Cognitive impairment in children with migraine. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 18(1), 38. doi: 10.1186/s10194-017-0833-4
- Li, J., et al. (2017). Long-term efficacy and persistence of long-acting calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist in the prevention of episodic migraine. Cephalalgia, 37(6), 613-622. doi: 10.1177/0333102416682746
- Katsarava, Z., et al. (2020). Prevalence and comorbidity of headache disorders with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 91(1), 193-203. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318942
- Temporal arteritis, characterized by inflammation of the temporal artery on one side, can cause persistent headaches that favor one side and may also bring about symptoms like fatigue and jaw pain.
- Trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by disruption to the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain, often stirs intense facial and head pain, localized to just one side.
- Science reveals that around 20–30% of cluster headache sufferers exclusively experience headaches on one side, making it possible for a right-sided headache to be a sign of this condition.
- A deviated septum may make individuals more susceptible to sinus headaches localized on one side, particularly if only one sinus is impacted.
- Excerpts from the field of health and wellness suggest that navigation and acute treatments in neurological disorders like migraines can incorporate various therapies and treatments, including CBD.
- In addition to fitness and exercise, mental health greatly contributes to workplace-wellness, making it important for employers to advocate for mental health resources for employees suffering from chronic diseases or conditions like migraines.
- Fitness and exercise, alongside proper nutrition, are key components of skin care, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve overall well-being and help alleviate stress-related conditions like migraines.
- Substitutes for prescription medications could include over-the-counter treatments for migraines, like CBD, offerings short-term relief during mild headaches.
- Individuals with sinus headaches may find relief by working towards proper hydration, as dehydration can exacerbate or initiate headache symptoms.
- Recurrent migraines should not always localize to the same side in every instance, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
