Causes of Left-Sided Migraine

Left-Sided Migraine Triggers

Below are several factors that can lead to headaches on the left side of the head:

• Stress
• Chronic stress results in the release of chemicals that tighten muscles and alter blood flow, leading to headaches.
• Alcohol
• Various alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a chemical that causes blood vessels to dilate, potentially resulting in headaches.
• Food
• Certain food types can trigger headaches, particularly those containing preservatives. Examples include:
  • Aged cheese.
  • Nuts.
  • Processed meats, such as deli meats, sausages, and bacon.
• Skipping Meals

Omitting meals can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels. As the brain relies on glucose obtained from food to function optimally, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause pulsating pain in the temples along with other symptoms like:

• Blurred or distorted vision.
• Heart palpitations.
• Irritability.
• Fatigue.
• Agitation.
• Confusion.

Additionally, sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, may increase the risk of headaches. Insomnia can also trigger headaches, which can further disrupt sleep due to the pain involved.

Causes of Left-Sided Headaches

Several factors can contribute to left-sided headaches, including:

Medication Overuse

Medication overuse headache, also known as rebound headache, is characterized by headaches that worsen with the frequent use of pain relief medications that are typically prescribed for tension headaches or migraines.

This type of headache is a common cause of chronic daily headaches, often occurring more than 15 days a month, and can severely impact daily activities. Some medications that may lead to this condition include:

• Aspirin.
• Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol).
• Ibuprofen.
• Naproxen.
• Combinations containing aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.
• Triptans, such as sumatriptan and zolmitriptan.
• Ergots (ergotamine).
• Prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, tramadol, and hydrocodone.

Infections and Allergies

Headaches are often symptomatic of respiratory infections such as influenza and the common cold, where fever and sinus congestion can exacerbate headache symptoms. The severity may increase with more serious infections like meningitis and encephalitis.

These illnesses may also present with additional symptoms, such as seizures, fever, and neck stiffness. Allergies can also trigger headaches due to nasal congestion, causing pain and pressure behind the forehead and cheekbones.

Neurological Causes

Headaches may arise from various neurological issues, including:

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face to the brain. This disorder produces intense, sharp pain episodes that resemble electric shocks, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.

Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia results from inflammation or injury to the occipital nerves in the scalp, often described as sharp, throbbing, or shooting pain located at the upper neck, back of the head, or behind the ears.

Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, typically affecting the temporal arteries in the head. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic, severe headaches concentrated in the temples.
• Scalp tenderness.
• Jaw pain.
• Vision problems.

Secondary Causes

Here are additional factors that may lead to headaches on the left side of the head:

• Tight headgear

Wearing tight helmets or head protection can exert pressure on one or both sides of the head, resulting in discomfort and headaches.

• High Blood Pressure

Headaches may also indicate high blood pressure, even though hypertension often lacks noticeable symptoms.

• Stroke
• Sudden, severe headaches can be a warning sign of a stroke, which can occur from blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain or from bleeding within the brain.
• Concussion
• A concussion is a type of head injury that occurs from a strong blow to the head, often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, vomiting, confusion, and nausea.
• Brain Tumor
• A brain tumor may cause various symptoms, including:
  • Sudden, severe headaches.
  • Confusion.
  • Speech difficulties.
  • Trouble walking.
  • Seizures.
  • Vision loss.
• Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a medical condition resulting from damage to the optic nerve due to unusually high pressure within the eye. It can worsen over time, and acute angle-closure glaucoma may present symptoms such as:

• Intense, throbbing eye pain, sometimes described as the worst eye pain imaginable.
• Headaches on the side of the affected eye.
• Dilated pupils.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Redness of the eyes.
• Blurred or hazy vision.
• Seeing halos around lights.

When to See a Doctor

While headaches are generally not hazardous and can often be managed at home, they may occasionally serve as a sign of a more serious condition. Here are some circumstances that warrant a medical consultation:

• Headaches that develop after age 50.
• Worsening headache symptoms.
• Noticeably severe headaches.
• Headaches that follow a head injury.
• Headaches that interfere with daily activities.
• Headaches causing awakenings during the night.
• Significant changes in headache patterns.
• Changes in mental status or personality.
• The presence of other symptoms alongside headaches, such as:
  • Vision loss.
  • Double vision.
  • Numbness or weakness.
  • Eye pain and redness.
  • Confusion.
  • Fever.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Increased pain with movement or coughing.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Video on Causes of Headaches on Both Sides

Headaches are certainly bothersome, and there are several reasons leading to discomfort on both sides. To learn more, watch the following video: