Right-Sided Headache: Explanations, Implications, and Swift Alleviation Strategies
Headaches on the right side of your noggin can be a bothersome pain in the you-know-where. Let's delve into the reasons behind these pesky headaches and figure out ways to soothe the pain.
When it comes to one-sided headaches, several factors could be at play. Here are some possible culprits:
Single-sided troubles:
- Temporal arteritis: This inflammation of the temporal artery is often found on just one side. Symptoms include exhaustion, pain in the jaw, and tender temples [1].
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition causes intense facial and head pain, mostly affecting one side at a time, due to disruption in the trigeminal nerve [1].
- Sinus headaches: Individuals with a deviated septum are more likely to deal with sinus headaches that favor one side [1].
Bilateral conditions:
Occipital neuralgia usually affects both sides of the head but could cause one-sided symptoms. This condition occurs when the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp, become damaged or inflamed [1]. Other causes include:
- Allergies
- A neurological issue
- Fatigue
- Head injury
- Infections, like sinus infections
- fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- Dehydration
- Muscle strains or knots in the neck
- Tumors
Medication use
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could cause headaches, as well as result from overuse of OTC painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen [1].
What types of headaches affect the right side?
There are countless types of headaches, some primary with the headache being the main symptom, and others secondary, causing headaches as a consequence of another condition. However,
- Migraines or cluster headaches are likely the root causes of unilateral headaches [1].
- Tension headaches might cause pain on one side as well [1].
When to see a doctor
Regular headaches should prompt a visit to your physician to pinpoint the underlying cause [1]. If you experience any of the following symptoms together with a headache, seek medical attention immediately:
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Fever
- Head injury
- Increased pain during movement
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness
- Personality or cognitive changes
- Rash
- Sleep disturbances
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
For a headache only on the right side, it's essential to consult a doctor if it's consistent and not switching sides [1].
References:[1] Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 17). One-sided headache: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/one-sided-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20370034[2] Sinuses and sinusitis in adults. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21663-sinuses-and-sinusitis-in-adults[3] Cluster headaches. (2017, October). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20355931
- Migraines and cluster headaches, two common types of headaches, could potentially establish unilateral headaches, affecting only the right side.
- For a person experiencing a right-sided headache that remains consistent and doesn't switch sides, it's crucial to seek treatment from a medical professional.
- Science has yet to uncover the exact persona behind migraines and cluster headaches, but experts agree that they often affect one side of the head.
- In the health-and-wellness realm, naive treatment approaches should be avoided when dealing with persistent migraines or cluster headaches, as professional treaters may be necessary for effective solutions.
- Some medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter painkillers like Qulipta, acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen, can potentially trigger headaches or worsen existing medical conditions, such as migraines.
