Many people experience headaches on the right side of their head only. The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and visual disturbances. Show Almost 50 percent of adults each year report headaches, making them among the most common health complaints. Read on to learn more about headaches on the right side of the head and remedies to help manage the pain. A headache on the right side of the head may be caused by: Neurological issuesVarious issues in the brain can cause a one-sided pain. The following neurological conditions may be responsible for headaches on one side:
Medication useHeadaches can occur as a side effect of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They can also be caused by overusing medication, including OTC painkillers such as:
This type of headache is called a rebound headache. According to the World Health Organization , it is the most common type of secondary headache disorder. A secondary headache is a headache that is caused by another condition. Headaches caused by medication overuse are often at their worst upon waking. Other causesOther causes of headaches can lead to pain across the entire head or just one side. These include:
There are over 300 types of headache, about 90 percent of which have no known cause. However, a migraine or a cluster headache are the most likely causes of a headache on the right side of the head. Tension headaches may also cause pain on one side in some people. MigrainesGenetics are thought to play a role in migraine headaches — a type of severe headache that causes a pulsating sensation or throbbing pain in the head. The severe pulsating sensations or throbbing are usually accompanied by:
Up to a third of people that get migraines experience visual disturbances or temporary loss of vision (known as an aura) before the onset of the pain. Symptoms can last for up to 72 hours if untreated, with the pain typically affecting only one side of the head. The following factors can trigger migraines:
Early treatment is key to reducing the length and severity of symptoms. Treatments include OTC or prescription medicines. Prevention involves avoiding triggers and using preventative medications, in some cases. Cluster headachesCluster headaches are rare but severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns. The pain is intense and usually located around one eye. It may also radiate to other areas of the head and face, as well as the neck and shoulders. People typically experience frequent headache attacks (clusters) for weeks or months before a period of remission. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include:
Men tend to experience cluster headaches more often than women. The exact cause is unknown, but smoking, alcohol use, and a family history of cluster headaches may increase risk. There is no cure for the condition, although treatments can reduce the number and severity of cluster headaches. Tension headachesTension headaches are the most common type of headache, occurring in 75 percent of people. They usually affect both sides of the head, but some people may have symptoms on one side only. Signs include:
Symptoms usually last for a few minutes to a few hours and are mild to moderate in severity. Occasional tension headaches can be treated with OTC pain relievers or home remedies. People with frequent tension headaches may need to change their lifestyle, identify and avoid triggers, or use prescription medications. Many cases of headache will resolve on their own, without any intervention. People that experience headaches regularly should make an appointment with their doctor to identify the underlying cause. Anyone who experiences the following symptoms alongside a headache must seek medical attention:
People who have headaches that are very severe or get progressively worse should also see a doctor. Many headaches can be treated quickly and successfully at home by trying the following:
Headaches are a widespread health complaint, affecting the majority of people at least occasionally. Most headaches are not cause for concern. Usually, symptoms will resolve within minutes to hours and can be eased with OTC medications, lifestyle changes, and home remedies. See a doctor if headaches are severe, persist, or get progressively worse. Even if a migraine or a cluster headache is responsible for the pain, many treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of the headaches. Read the article in Spanish. What does a headache behind the right eye mean?What Is a Headache Behind the Eyes? A headache behind your eyes can come with other symptoms. They can be a sign of a cluster headache, tension headache, or even sinus headaches that recur if you have allergies or sinus problems. When you feel stressed or tense, headache symptoms can arise.
Why do I have a headache on the right side of my head when I wake up?A headache on the right side of the head is often caused by a migraine, tension, or cluster headache. A right-sided headache can also be a symptom of chronic health conditions like arthritis or trigeminal neuralgia.
Why do I wake up with a headache behind my eyes?Sleep apnea, migraine, and lack of sleep are common culprits. However, teeth grinding, alcohol use, and certain medications can also cause you to wake up with a headache. Sometimes your morning headache comes from a combination of disorders or habits.
Why did I wake up with pain in my right eye?Sharp or sudden pain in the eye is usually due to debris in or around the eye. It's commonly described as an aching, stabbing, or burning feeling within the eye itself. Sharp pain can also be caused by more serious conditions such as uveitis or glaucoma.
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