Causes Of Right-Sided Headaches And What They Might Indicate

Whether experiencing pain on the right or left side of the head, the most common cause is primary headache disorders. Among these, migraines are the most prevalent. Migraines often present as a throbbing pain on one side of the head and are significantly more common in women than in men. This discrepancy is closely linked to hormonal factors such as estrogen and progesterone, which is why many women experience migraines around their menstrual cycle. These headaches tend to recur and are often accompanied by autonomic nervous system symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Other Types Of Primary Headaches

Another form of primary headache is cluster headache. These headaches are also localized to one side of the head and are particularly severe, often centered around the eye area. Cluster headaches are more common in men than in women and are known for their intense pain and predictable patterns of occurrence. These episodes can be extremely debilitating and often occur in cyclical clusters over weeks or months.

Secondary Headaches And Underlying Conditions

In addition to primary headache disorders, right-sided headaches can also be caused by secondary conditions, which are symptoms of underlying health issues. Examples include cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, increased intracranial pressure, and central nervous system infections. These conditions can cause localized pain and require immediate medical evaluation to determine the root cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Headaches Related To Ear, Nose, And Throat Conditions

Various ENT (ear, nose, and throat) conditions can also lead to referred pain in the head. For instance, glaucoma — a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye — can cause severe pain in one eye and head. In some cases, patients seek neurological care for headaches, only to discover that the real cause is elevated intraocular pressure due to glaucoma.

Common Inflammatory And Infection-Related Causes

Sinusitis and rhinitis are other common causes of one-sided headaches, often producing intense pressure and pain in the affected sinus areas. Additionally, infections such as otitis media (middle ear infection), as well as nerve-related conditions like occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia, can lead to referred pain that mimics primary headache disorders.