Not all headaches are the same or have the same causes. Relief requires knowing the specific symptoms and their possible causes. A chronic pain that increases in intensity is not the same as a headache that comes and goes.
In addition, the area where the headache is concentrated may be indicative of the cause of the headache. The pain may be all over the head, in the temple or in the eyes. This time we will discuss the symptoms and causes of left-sided headache.
Why does the left side of my head hurt?
The reasons may be diverse, so be vigilant and consult your doctor. Especially if this headache, or any other, is persistent, increasing or not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
The causes of left-sided headaches can range from temporary and harmless, to symptoms of a disease that requires review, diagnosis and treatment by a health professional.
That is why it is important to familiarize ourselves with the possible causes and to explain to the doctor what our discomforts and symptoms are as precisely as possible.It is also important to emphasize that the headache occurs only or more intensely on the left side.
- You may be interested in: “The 8 worst pains of the human being”.
Migraine
Migraine is the most common cause of left-sided headache.. It manifests itself with stabbing pains that come and go and increase in intensity. They can last for several days and are accompanied by general malaise.
Many people with migraine do not tolerate light for the duration of the episode. It is best to see a physician for specific treatment for this discomfort, as it can be disabling.
2. Cluster headache
A common headache may occur in clusters on the left side of the head. Some types of headaches are normal and should not cause concern. For example, if they occur with a change in temperature or contact with cigarette smoke.
Being exposed for a long time to intense noises, or spending a lot of time in front of screens, can cause headaches.Sometimes it can be expressed as localized clusters on the left side. An analgesic should be enough to make the pain go away. If not, other possible causes should be explored.
3. Sinusitis
When suffering from sinusitis, headaches are part of the symptoms. Sinusitis can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a viral respiratory tract disease, prolonged contact with tobacco smoke, or the most common one, allergies.
Although sinus headache can manifest itself in the whole head, there is also a high possibility of it manifesting on the left side only. This is because the sinuses become inflamed and produce pressure in the head area.
- Are you looking for headache relief? “How to get rid of headache: 6 home remedies”.
4. Aneurysm
An aneurysm may be asymptomatic until it manifests as a severe headache. An aneurysm is the localized widening of the walls of the arteries. If this aneurysm is close to a nerve, it presses on it and causes headache, but it may also have no symptoms at all.but it may also have no symptoms at all.
When an aneurysm continues to grow, it ruptures. This requires urgent medical attention and is manifested by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. The headache may occur on the left side if the aneurysm is located there.
5. Occipital neuralgia
An occipital neuralgia may be the cause of the headache on the left side. Normally this neuralgia begins to manifest itself in the occipital part and then spreads to one side or the other of the head.
The pain is like small, intense and chronic electric shocks.. It can be confused with migraine, but it is accompanied by other symptoms such as scalp weakness. A medical diagnosis is required to avoid serious consequences.
6. High blood pressure
A left-sided headache could be a symptom of high blood pressure. Although hypertension has no clear symptoms, headaches, especially if they occur on the left side, should put us on alert.
If the left-sided headache comes and goes frequently with no apparent cause and no other accompanying symptoms, then it could indicate that high blood pressure is the problem. In this situation the best thing to do is to measure the pressure and, as always, go to the doctor to make the diagnosis..
7. Blow to the head
A strong blow to the head can generate a cerebral contusion. If you have had an accident that involves the head it is necessary to be attentive to symptoms that can appear after having received the blow..
It may happen that at the first moment after the blow, there seems to be no excessive pain. It may take up to a few minutes or even hours before a severe headache appears, accompanied by blurred vision, nausea and vomiting.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma may have as its main symptom a severe headache on the left side. When there is an increase in eye pressure manifests as blurred vision and pain in the eye, in addition to localized headache.and localized headache on one side.
In these cases the headache may be mild. The clearest symptom of glaucoma is the gradual loss of vision. But if there is eye pain accompanied by nausea and sudden alteration of vision, it is a medical emergency that must be attended.
9. Brain tumor
Among the symptoms of brain tumor is headache. This depends on the location and size. The headache caused by a brain tumor is very evident. The pain does not go away and painkillers provide only momentary relief..
It is important not to be alarmed, but also to see a doctor for a check-up. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, but as long as the headache on the left side has no apparent cause, it is best to see a specialist.