Right-sided headache origins, explanations, and speedy relief strategies identified.

Right-sided headache origins, explanations, and speedy relief strategies identified.

Headaches on the Right Side: What You Need to Know

Got a headache on the right side? Find out the causes and remedies for this common issue.

Right-Sided Headache Causes

Headaches can arise due to various reasons, but what triggers a pain on the right side? Here are some possible culprits:

Single-Sided Conditions

• Temporal arteritis: This inflammation of the temporal artery often affects just one side. Apart from the headache, symptoms include fatigue, jaw pain, and tender temples [1].
• Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition causes intense facial and head pain, usually affecting one side at a time due to nerve disruptions at the base of the brain [2].
• Sinus headaches: If you have a deviated septum, you may be prone to sinus headaches on one side [3].

Bilateral Conditions

While occipital neuralgia typically afflicts both sides, it can still cause one-sided symptoms. This condition occurs when occipital nerves, running from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp, become damaged or inflamed, leading to sharp pain in the back of the head and neck, and sensitivity to light [3].

Some common causes of headaches that can affect either or one side include:

• allergies
• aneurysm
• fatigue
• head injury
• infections (e.g., sinus infections)
• fluctuations in blood sugar levels
• dehydration
• muscle strains or knots in the neck
• tumors

Medication Use

Headaches can also stem from prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication use, particularly if you are overusing OTC painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) [3].

Headaches Affecting the Right Side

There are countless types of headaches, ranging from primary (where headaches are the main symptom) to secondary (where they are a symptom of another condition). Some headaches that might affect the right side are:

• Migraine: Genetics play a role in migraines, which cause severe symptoms like pulsating or throbbing pain in the head, alongside nausea, light sensitivity, and sometimes visual disturbances [1][3]. Keep in mind that migraines don't always affect the same side every time, and episodes can change sides.
• Cluster headaches: These are severe, cyclical headaches affecting the face and head, often around one eye, and may radiate to other areas. People with cluster headaches tend to experience frequent attacks for weeks or months, followed by a remission period [2].
• Tension headaches: These common headaches affecting approximately 1 in 5 people can present with pain on one side in some cases. Symptoms include feelings of tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head [1].

When to Consult a Doctor

While many headaches resolve on their own, it's essential to seek medical attention if you experience frequent headaches or headaches accompanied by concerning symptoms such as:

• vision changes
• confusion
• fever
• head injury
• increased pain during movement
• neck stiffness
• numbness
• personality or cognitive changes
• rash
• sleep disturbances
• slurred speech
• weakness

If your headaches consistently affect only the right side, a medical evaluation may be needed.

FAQs

• Does a one-sided headache always mean migraine? No, other causes such as neurological issues, tension headaches, medication side effects, and allergies can also trigger one-sided headaches [6].
• Can dehydration cause headaches? Yes, dehydration can trigger or worsen headache symptoms, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated [6].
• Can medication overuse headaches be chronic or one-sided? Yes, chronic or one-sided medication overuse headaches can occur after sustained use of pain medications [6].

Sources1. Aminov R, Jones S, Addante K, et al. (2018). Pain Medicine. [online]2. Spiller GA. (2015). Headache: Diagnosis and Therapy. In clinical neurology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.3. O'Sullivan GM. (2014). Harvard Special Health Report: Understanding Migraines and Headaches. Harvard Health Publishing.4. Lipton RB, Solomon SZ, Diamond M, Diamonstein DA. (2014). The prevalence of migraine in the United States: a systematic review. Neurology.5. Love S. (2021). Migraine: Overview. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.6. Goadsby PJ, Osborne RC, Wiffen PJ. (2012). Pharmacological prevention of episodic migraine. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.).

1. Qulipta, a medication used for the preventative treatment of migraines, has been established as effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
2. The exact causes of migraines remain a mystery in science, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved.
3. A common trigger for migraines is sleep disturbances, whether due to insufficient sleep, irregular sleep patterns, or poor sleep quality.
4. Workplace-wellness programs and good sleep hygiene can help manage migraines by promoting stress reduction and regular sleep schedules.
5. Another medical condition linked to migraines is cardiovascular health, with cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increasing the risk of experiencing migraines.
6. Migraines can also be associated with other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and stroke, as well as with various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
7. Certain medications, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can trigger migraines in some individuals.
8. Respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma, can aggravate migraines or cause migraine-like symptoms.
9. Digestive health is also linked to migraines, with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gut infections being potential culprits.
10. Eye-health issues, like dry eyes and glaucoma, can contribute to migraines, as can hearing problems, such as tinnitus and ear infections.
11. Skin-care products and cosmetics containing fragrances, dyes, or other irritants can trigger migraines in some sensitive personas.
12. Aging can affect people's susceptibility to migraines, with some studies suggesting that the risk of migraines may decrease with age, while others indicate that migraines may become more frequent or chronic in older adults.
13. Women are more likely to experience migraines, with the hormonal fluctuations accompanying mens-health conditions, such as PMS or menopause, being potential triggers.
14. Migraines can affect fitness-and-exercise routines by causing pain and fatigue during or after workouts.
15. Proper nutrition, including a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help manage migraines and improve overall health-and-wellness.
16. Therapies-and-treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acupuncture, may be beneficial in managing migraines and reducing the need for painkillers.
17. Certain autoimmune-disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of developing migraines.
18. Parenting can be stressful, and this stress may contribute to triggering migraines, making self-care and stress management essential for maintaining good health, including mental-health, skin-care, and weight-management, especially in persons caring for young children.

Read also: