Why Right-Sided Headaches Occur and What You Can Do About Them

Experiencing persistent or recurring pain on the right side of your head can be concerning, but it's often linked to a common neurological condition known as migraine. Migraines are particularly prevalent among young women and can also affect children and adolescents. If one or both parents suffer from migraines, their children are more likely to develop the condition due to genetic predisposition.

Understanding Migraine Symptoms

Migraine episodes often follow a distinct pattern. Some individuals experience what's called a "migraine with aura," where visual disturbances such as blurred vision, flashing lights, or distorted shapes occur before the headache begins. This phase typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes and serves as a warning sign. Following this, intense, throbbing pain develops—often localized to one side of the head, in this case, the right side.

Common Associated Symptoms

Beyond head pain, migraine sufferers frequently report additional symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. These include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and heightened sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Many people find relief by lying down in a quiet, dark room for several hours until the episode subsides.

Triggers and Patterns

Migraines tend to be episodic, meaning they come and go over time. For many women, hormonal fluctuations—especially those tied to the menstrual cycle—can act as a trigger. While the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, researchers believe they involve changes in brain activity, blood flow, and neurotransmitter levels.

The Heart-Brain Connection: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

Interestingly, studies have shown a higher prevalence of a heart condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO) among migraine patients, especially those with aura. A PFO is a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart that didn't close properly after birth. Though often harmless, it may contribute to migraines in some cases by allowing substances that trigger headaches to bypass the lungs' filtering system.

Medical experts recommend that individuals with frequent or severe one-sided headaches undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram), to rule out PFO as a contributing factor. Identifying and treating underlying conditions like PFO may lead to significant improvement or even resolution of migraine symptoms in certain patients.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you're experiencing regular right-sided headaches, especially if they're worsening or disrupting your quality of life, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. Proper diagnosis through neurological and cardiovascular assessments can help determine the root cause and guide effective treatment strategies, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medication or minimally invasive procedures.