English 3 MIN READ 2328 VIEWS February 16, 2024

Decoding the Mystery of a Left Side Headache

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

A frequent symptom that may occur is headaches characterised by pain in various parts and areas of the human body that may disrupt daily activities. One specific type that often raises concern is the left side headache, often accompanied by pain around the left eye. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and proper treatment for this repeating physical discomfort helps combat and eliminate left-side headaches.

Left Side Headache: Common Types

This is also one of the most common headaches that a majority of people have, and it can occur because of several reasons. While the majority of headaches are not indicative of severe underlying conditions, understanding the potential causes is crucial for effective management.

1. Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are amongst the most typical reasons for a left-side headache. Tension headaches are generally triggered by stress, and anxiety, which may cause contraction or tension in the muscles, causing low throbbing pain on both sides or one side of one’s head.

2. Migraines

Migraines are cruel, pounding headaches that strike on one side approximately. Most people who suffer from migraines say that they have primarily left-sided pain. Migraines can also have several symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and aura.

3. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headache refers to the case of intense, sharp pain occurring on one side of the brain, usually around the eyes. These headaches occur in clusters over time, usually during these intervals; some are entirely free from the pain.

Relationship Between Left Eye Pain and Headache

Understanding the relationship between left eye pain and headaches is important because pursuing a proper diagnosis will demand targeted treatment.

1. Optic Neuritis

In this condition, the pain and headaches often occur due to eye nerve inflammation. This is one of the conditions that are also associated with other symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

2. Conjunctivitis

Eye Infections, for instance, conjunctivitis (pink eye), can cause eye pain and headache. The symptomatic treatment would be meaningful and effective by treating the underlying cause of infection.

Common Causes of Headache on Left Side of Head and Eye

It is not unusual that eye pain leads to headaches, as this applies mainly when the ache on the left side of the head is intense. It is essential to elucidate aspects that can form this particular combination, as understanding the possible reasons enables proper diagnosis and treatment in such cases.

1. Sinusitis

The headaches that occur because of the inflammation in the sinuses are usually unilateral, with characteristic pain throughout or over the left eye/ right eye area. However, sinus headaches are commonly caused by a stuffy nose, pressure about the face, and the ears feeling clogged.

2. Eye Strain

The symptoms of eye strain include the presence of a headache focused on the left side and pain appearing around this area. To experience relaxation from these painful situations above, one might find it necessary to stare at screens for a prolonged period because they could be deeply engaged in reading or other visually intensive activities.

3. Optical Migraines

Among some others, optical migraine is one of the visual impairments that cause vision loss either temporarily or make changes even for a short period. Such strains may precede or merge with a headache often centred on one half of the skull.

Solving the Problem of Left Side Headache 

Effective management techniques for left-side headaches are only possible by identifying the underlying cause that leads to this type of pain.

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

As for pain that is not too intense, non-prescription drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can prevent or decrease its symptoms. Nevertheless, long-term courses of treatment should be undertaken under a doctor’s care.

2. Rest

Relaxation techniques like adequate rest and stress management can help alleviate tension headaches. The various relaxation exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, alleviate muscle tension.

3. Hydration

Headaches may also be caused by dehydration, so it is necessary to drink enough liquids. Headaches can even occur in the case of mild dehydration.

4. Eye Care

As we have mentioned above, headaches may be aggravated by eye strain. In this case, the right steps should be taken. Consider taking breaks from the screen and regularly use artificial tears to ensure better eye health.

5. Prescription Medications

As for acute or long-term headaches, suggested medicines by a physician are used. In this case, these may be diuretic syrup for migraine, drug-specific medications, or paracetamol to alleviate tension headaches, among others.

Conclusion

Headaches on the left side have almost all been associated with great pain, mainly when eye pain and irritation occur. However, in case left-side headaches recur or deteriorate, it is essential to reach out to an appropriate medical professional for a thorough assessment. 

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