Why does the left side of the head hurt?

Headache on the left side can be caused by migraines, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, headaches that occur after eating cold food, tumors, or drug side effects. But each of these have other states and symptoms that you can recognize what kind of headache you have. The state of your headache is important. Have you ever experienced a throbbing headache on one side of your head? Or maybe you have felt a sharp pain? Sometimes you may experience a sharp and sudden pain behind the eyes or a constant and increasing pain. Each of these types of headaches can have different reasons, which we will discuss in this article. Types of headache on the left side of the head and their causes All of us have experienced a headache at least once in our lives. Although most headaches have reasons such as fatigue and get better with rest; Headaches have different causes. Pay attention to your headache, is it throbbing? Is it sharp and sharp? Does it have a burning sensation? Or is it like being hit in the head with a dagger? Some of them may be dangerous. **Dangerous headaches** are usually headaches that are accompanied by blurred vision or dizziness or nausea or vomiting or anything else unusual. If you experience these things, be sure to consult a doctor. There may be reasons such as migraine, cluster headache, high or low brain pressure, or even a brain tumor. Each of the mentioned problems and diseases may be associated with other symptoms; which we have brought here. There are also various solutions for relief and **urgent treatment of severe headache**. - Migraine - Sinus headache Cervicogenic headache - Cluster headache - Reversible headache - Headache caused by cold - Tumors ### Migraine **Migraine** is one of the common causes of severe and one-sided headaches, including the left side of the head. This type of headache is usually accompanied by strong and throbbing beats that can be very annoying. In addition to severe pain, people with migraines often show extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and may also experience nausea or vomiting. Of course, migraine is not necessarily on the left side of the head, and it is still not clear why a migraine patient often feels pain on one side of his head. But reasons such as excessive activity of neurons that may be on one side of the brain, or disruption of blood flow to one part of the head, or hormonal reasons, intense light, loud noise, etc., each of which can affect one part of the head, cause one-sided migraine headaches. #### Migraine headache symptoms If this headache on the left side of your head is accompanied by the symptoms I have given here, you most likely have a migraine. - Migraine aura: Visual disturbances such as bright spots or zigzags, tingling on one side of the body, speech or sensory problems. - **Sensitivity to light and sound or certain smells** - **Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain** - **Dizziness, lack of balance, difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying** - **Sweating, lethargy and fatigue, mood changes** The important thing to know is that not everyone experiences the same symptoms and even the severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Also, some of these symptoms may share symptoms of other diseases and make accurate diagnosis difficult. For this reason, **never self-medicate.** Avoid self-administered painkillers, triptans, or similar medications for these types of headaches. The best course of action is to see a neurologist immediately so that your problem can be properly diagnosed and treated. ### Sinus headache When the sinuses on the left side become inflamed or infected, they often cause sinus headaches. This type of headache is usually accompanied by a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the face. This pain may be felt in the forehead, cheeks or behind the eyes and as a dull, throbbing or shooting pain in the head. ### Cervicogenic headache: pain in the neck that reaches the head Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originates from neck problems. This type of headache is often felt on one side of the head, including the left side, and may occur due to neck injuries, poor posture, or diseases such as neck arthritis. The pain of this type of headache usually starts in the form of a vague and shooting pain from the neck and spreads to the head. By making neck movements or being in certain positions, the pain may worsen. ### Cluster headache Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches on the left side of the head, which are especially felt around the eyes. These pains occur in intermittent and intense periods and can disrupt daily life. **Cluster headache** is usually described as a sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain, as if something sharp had been inserted behind the eye. ### Sudden headache after eating cold Have you ever had a sudden sharp pain in the back of your forehead after quickly eating an ice cream or a cold drink? This is what is called "ice cream headache" which is called "sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia" in medicine. This type of headache on the left side of the head is usually caused by rapid temperature changes in the mouth and throat area. ### Rebound headache: unwanted side effects of overuse of painkillers Long-term and excessive use of painkillers, especially in cases where it is done arbitrarily and without a doctor's prescription, can occur with a phenomenon called "return headache". This type of headache is often felt as a dull, continuous pain throughout the head, including the left side. It is worth noting that taking more painkillers to relieve this type of headache is not only effective but can also cause its aggravation. ### Headache caused by tumor A brain tumor causes headaches that are usually gradual. These headaches are mostly in the morning. Many times, physical activity increases the pain at the tumor site. So, if you have a headache that gets worse with activity, it could be a sign of **post-exercise headache** or other causes that need to be investigated. **Different states of headache on the left** ### Throbbing headache Throbbing headaches, especially on the left side of the head, are one of the most common types of left-sided headaches. This type of headache usually occurs due to stress, poor posture or sitting in front of the computer for a long time. The feeling caused by this type of headache is like having a tight band wrapped around your head. This pain is usually described as a constant pressure or throbbing. In addition to the reasons given above, blood pressure and stress and anxiety may also cause this headache. ### Explosive headache Explosive headaches are one of the most severe and frightening types of headaches on the left side of the head that occur suddenly and with great intensity. This type of headache is often described as the worst pain in life. The intensity and speed of the onset of this type of headache is so high that it is as if an explosion occurs inside the head. This type of pain can have reasons such as migraine, cluster headache, tension headache, **rupture of brain vessels**, sinus infection or problems related to jaw and teeth. Common causes of headache on the left side of the head Unilateral headaches, especially on the left side of the head, have various causes. Some of the most common causes of this type of headache are: - Everyday stress and tensions - Eye fatigue due to excessive use of digital devices and long-term study without interruption - Dehydration of the body - Sinusitis or inflammation of the sinuses - Neck problems such as lumbar disc, neck arthritis or poor posture - Migraine - Cluster headaches Temporal artery inflammation (temporal arthritis), which is more common in the elderly. - Hormonal changes, especially in women - Insomnia or sleep disorders - Weather changes, including sudden changes in air pressure or humidity - Sudden reduction in caffeine consumption It is recommended to see a doctor to accurately diagnose the cause of the headache on the left side of the head and to receive appropriate treatment. Self-treatment and ignoring headache cannot replace the opinion of a specialist doctor. Treatment of headache on the left side of the head Headache on the left side of the head has different treatment methods depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatment methods are: - **Pharmaceutical treatment:** The use of medicine to reduce or control headache must be done under the supervision of a doctor; Because the type of medicine and its dosage varies depending on the underlying cause of the headache and the individual's condition. Self-administration of medication may not only be ineffective, but sometimes aggravate symptoms. **Massage therapy**: Gentle massage on the neck, shoulders and scalp can help relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation. A professional massager can be effective in relieving headaches by focusing on trigger points and areas of tension. **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**: If stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors are contributing to your headaches, CBT can be very helpful. This therapy will help you identify and change negative thought and behavior patterns. - **Physiotherapy**: If your headache is caused by musculoskeletal problems such as neck tension or poor body posture, physiotherapy is recommended. Physiotherapist helps to reduce pain and prevent headache recurrence by providing exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and correct body posture. If your headaches are severe, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, or weakness, be sure to see your doctor. How to prevent headaches on the left side? A headache on the left side of the head can be annoying. Fortunately, they can be prevented by following some tips. Some effective solutions to reduce headaches on the left side are: - Pay attention to your posture when sitting, standing and sleeping. Drinking enough water during the day, especially in hot weather, prevents headaches caused by dehydration. - If your work requires sitting for a long time or using a computer a lot, take breaks every once in a while and move your eyes and neck. - Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can be effective in reducing stress and thus reducing headaches. - Having enough and quality sleep is very important for general health and reducing headaches. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce headaches. - If you wear glasses, make sure your glasses number is correct. These tips are general solutions to prevent left-sided headaches. If your headaches are continuous and severe, be sure to consult a specialist doctor to determine the exact cause. When should you see a doctor? Some of the warning signs that indicate the need to see a doctor immediately are: - **Severe and sudden headache**: This type of headache may be a sign of a stroke or aneurysm and requires immediate medical attention. **Changes in headache pattern**: If your headache is more severe than before, lasts longer, or worsens with daily activities. - **Headache with other symptoms**: If your headache is accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision, fever, sweating, nausea and vomiting, weakness on one side of the body, changes in sensation or movement, or sensory disturbances. - **headache after a blow to the head**: even if the blow to the head is mild, if the headache occurs after the blow. - **Headache in people over 50**: If you have a headache for the first time at the age of over 50. - **Chronic headaches that affect the quality of life**: If your headaches are so severe that they interfere with your daily activities. A headache on the left side of the head can sometimes be a sign of serious diseases such as a brain tumor. For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor first conducts a physical examination, examines the patient's medical records and, if necessary, uses methods such as MRI, CT scan, and **brain tape (EEG)**. In some cases, this type of headache is observed along with other pain patterns, including **headache behind the head**, which careful examination can help to make a better diagnosis. summary Headaches on the left side of the head can have many causes, including migraines, inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), cluster headaches, and other factors. In many cases, mild headaches can be relieved at home with rest and over-the-counter medications. But if your headache is severe, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, confusion, blurred vision or sensory disturbances, be sure to see a doctor.