Migraine On The Left Side After Coughing: Possible Causes

If you experience a migraine on the left side of your head immediately after coughing, there may be several underlying reasons. Coughing can trigger specific physiological responses in the body that may lead to head pain, especially in sensitive individuals.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

One of the most common causes is the sudden increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity, thoracic cavity, and cranial cavity during a coughing episode. This increase in intracranial pressure can lead to a headache or even a migraine, particularly on one side of the head. This type of headache is sometimes referred to as a "cough headache" and is typically short-lived, though it can be intense.

Activation Of Nervous System Responses

Coughing can also stimulate pressure receptors in the neck's blood vessels. When these receptors detect changes, they send signals to the nervous system, which may result in a temporary increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a known trigger for migraines in some individuals, which could explain why a cough might lead to a throbbing pain on the left side of the head.

Structural Or Vascular Abnormalities

If the migraine consistently occurs only on the left side after coughing, it could indicate an underlying structural or vascular issue. This might include a congenital narrowing of the left vertebral artery or carotid artery, or a change in blood flow dynamics in that region. Such conditions can make the left side of the head more susceptible to pain during activities that increase intrathoracic or intracranial pressure, like coughing.

When To Seek Medical Advice

While occasional headaches after coughing are usually harmless, frequent or severe episodes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It's especially important to seek medical attention if the pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, vision changes, or numbness.