What To Do About One-Sided Headaches

One-sided headaches can be caused by a variety of conditions, including migraines, cluster headaches, shingles, and occipital neuralgia. If the cause is a migraine, doctors will consider several factors such as the location of the pain, its intensity, how long it lasts, associated symptoms, and potential triggers before making a diagnosis.

Common Causes and Diagnosis

Accurately identifying the underlying cause of one-sided head pain is essential for effective treatment. In addition to migraines, other neurological conditions such as cluster headaches—which are known for causing intense, recurring pain around one eye—can also be responsible. A proper diagnosis often involves a detailed patient history and physical examination to determine whether the pain is episodic or constant.

Treatment Options

For migraine-related pain, a range of medications can be effective. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help in mild cases, while more severe episodes might require prescription medications such as triptans, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even injectables. Other treatment options include beta-blockers like propranolol, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants such as flunarizine (Sibelium), or vasodilators like nicergoline, all of which are used to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the headache is due to more serious conditions such as a cerebrovascular accident (stroke), head trauma, or a brain tumor, further diagnostic tests like MRI or CT scans are necessary to determine the exact cause. Once identified, treatment can be tailored accordingly, whether through medication, surgery, or other specialized therapies.

When experiencing one-sided head pain, it's important to distinguish between intermittent and persistent pain. Combined with a patient's medical history and clinical evaluation, this information can help healthcare providers identify the root cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.