Some individuals experience headaches on one side of the head, but what does this indicate? According to the German Headache and Migraine Society, unilateral headaches can have several causes, ranging from simple to serious.
Simple Causes
The society explains that simple causes of one-sided headaches include what is known as “cluster headaches,” which typically present as stabbing pain behind the eye, in the forehead, or at the temples. Other simple causes can include issues with the jaw or cervical vertebrae.
Serious Causes
Serious causes of one-sided headaches include migraines, which are characterized by recurrent, throbbing pain that can last for several hours and often requires bed rest. Serious conditions also include brain hemorrhages or brain tumors.
Consulting a Doctor
It is essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of a unilateral headache, especially if there has been a head injury, a fall, or if the headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision or hearing problems, speech disturbances, consciousness disorders, numbness, or signs of paralysis.
