Headache Behind Left, Right, or Both Eyes – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Headaches are a common condition many people experience, but having a headache behind eyes can be particularly distressing. If you undergo such a condition often or every day, this type of headache can indicate various underlying conditions. Understanding the headaches behind the eyes, their causes, and treatments is essential for those who suffer from it.

Talk to your doctor if your headaches force you to change your routine. Your doctor will examine your situation and provide treatment based on your headache triggers, symptoms, and pain location. For those who are wondering what a headache behind your eyes means? This blog post has everything you need to know about Headache Behind Eyes.

What is a Headache Behind Eyes?

Headache behind the eyes can differ from regular tension headaches or migraines. They often feel like deep, throbbing pain and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or even nausea.

A headache behind the eyeballs can come with other symptoms. It can be a sign of a cluster headache, tension headache, or even sinus headaches that recur if you have sinus problems or allergies.

If you feel a headache behind the eyeballs, there are many possible causes. When you feel stressed out or tense, headache symptoms can arise. Some may go away with an over-the-counter painkiller, but others, like migraines, may become too severe for you.

Causes of Headache Behind Eyes

Various factors can cause a headache in the eyes. Here are some potential causes of headaches behind the eyes:

1. Sinusitis: An inflammation or swelling of the sinuses can lead to pain behind the eyes. Other symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose often accompany this.
2. Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters and are characterized by intense pain behind one eye.
3. Optic Neuritis: This is an optic nerve inflammation that can cause pain behind the eye, often exacerbated by eye movement.
4. Eye strain: Spending long hours in front of screens or not wearing the correct prescription glasses can lead to eye strain, causing pain behind the eyes.
5. Migraine: Characterized by intense pain behind the eyes, migraines can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, poor posture, diet, medication, and environmental stimuli. Symptoms often include nausea, weakness, head tension, and mood fluctuations.
6. Tension Headache: Commonly experienced after prolonged activities like driving or screen time that require focused attention. Cold weather can also be a trigger. These headaches are often associated with contractions in the head or neck muscles.
7. Other Causes: Other potential causes include high blood pressure, caffeine withdrawal, and overuse of pain medications.

Not all headaches fit neatly into a single category, and you may also experience a headache behind eye that results from:

• Undiagnosed Nearsightedness
• Scleritis
• Graves’ Disease
• Glaucoma

You might also have pain behind your eyes triggered by:

• Lack of Sleep
• Hunger
• Alcohol Use
• Smoking
• Strong Smells
• Bright Lights
• Stress
• Hormones
• Illness or Infection

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of a headache behind the eyes, especially if it’s persistent or severe. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.

Symptoms of Headache Behind Eyes

The symptoms linked to headaches behind the eyes can differ based on the specific type of headache you’re experiencing. Each type of headache presents its unique symptoms, whether a migraine, tension headache or another.

It’s often tricky for medical professionals to pinpoint the exact type of headache solely based on pain, as many share similar pain patterns. Hence, understanding the specific symptoms associated with each headache type is crucial.

Migraines are not just confined to head pain. They can also manifest as light or sound sensitivity, feelings of nausea, fatigue, mood fluctuations, and sometimes a preceding aura. Typically, migraines affect only one side of the head.

On the other hand, tension headaches might be episodic or persist for extended periods, leading to a diagnosis of chronic tension headaches. These headaches can cause pain behind the eyes, tightness around the head, tenderness, and pressure on the forehead.

Cluster headaches, similar to migraines affecting one side of the head, are characterized by intense pain. Accompanying symptoms might include sweating, facial flushing, teary or reddened eyes, and nasal symptoms like congestion or a runny nose.

Sinus headaches result from inflammation in the sinus cavities and can cause pain in areas like the eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead, and even teeth. Often, these headaches are accompanied by allergy-related symptoms such as nasal blockage, discharge, and sometimes fever. As the day progresses, the pain from sinus headaches might intensify.

Headaches behind the eyes can be discomforting and may be caused by various underlying conditions. The symptoms of headaches behind the eyes include:

1. Pain Behind One or Both Eyes: This is the most common symptom, and the pain can range from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing.
2. Sensitivity to Light: People may find bright lights uncomfortable or even experience pain when exposed.
3. Blurred Vision: Some individuals might experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
4. Eye Redness and Tearing: The eyes might appear red, and there could be excessive tearing.
5. Sinus Pressure: There might be pressure around the sinuses, primarily if the headache is related to sinusitis.
6. Nausea or Vomiting: In some cases, nausea or vomiting might accompany the headache, especially with migraines.
7. Aura: Some people, particularly those with migraines, might experience an aura, including visual disturbances like seeing flashing lights or zigzag patterns.
8. Pain that Worsens with Movement: The pain might intensify with specific movements, especially bending over.
9. Pain that Intensifies During the Day: The headache might start mild and become more severe as the day progresses.

It’s important to note that the exact symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the headache. If someone experiences persistent or severe headaches, it’s essential to consult a medical professional to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.

Different Types of Headache Behind Eyes

Headaches behind the eyes can be uncomfortable and concerning. Various factors can cause them, and understanding the type of headache behind the eyes can help determine the best treatment approach. Here are some different types of headaches behind eyes that can manifest as pain behind the eyes:

1. Headache Behind Left Eye
2. Headache Behind Right Eye
3. Headache Behind One Eye
4. Headache Behind Both Eyes
5. Headache Over Left Eye
6. Headache Over Right Eye
7. Headache Over Left Eye
8. Headache Behind the Eyebrows
9. Headache Behind Eyes Temples
10. Headache Behind Right Eye and Temple
11. Headache Behind Left Eye and Temple
12. Headache Behind Eyes in Pregnancy

Treatments for Headache Behind Eyes

While many headaches behind the eyes can be managed at home, not all require a doctor’s consultation. Here are some headaches behind the eyes remedies to alleviate pain from such headaches:

1. Applying Cold Compresses:
   • Description: A cold compress can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, relieving pain. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which can decrease the pain signal transmission to the brain.
   • How to Use: Wrap ice cubes or a cold pack in a thin cloth and place it over the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Always ensure a barrier between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.
2. Modifying Your Diet:
   • Description: Certain foods and drinks can trigger headaches in some people. Identifying and eliminating these triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
   • Suggestions: Monitor your diet and note patterns between food intake and headache onset. Common triggers include caffeine, chocolate, aged cheeses, and processed meats.
3. Engaging in Physical Activity:
   • Description: Regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches by improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
   • Suggestions: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This can include walking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity you enjoy.
4. Limiting or Avoiding Alcohol and Tobacco:
   • Description: Both alcohol and tobacco can trigger headaches in some individuals. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, a common headache trigger, while tobacco reduces blood flow to the brain.
   • Suggestions: If you notice a pattern between alcohol or tobacco use and headaches, consider reducing or eliminating your consumption.
5. Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
   • Description: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate mild to moderate headache pain.
   • Usage: Always follow the recommended dosage and ensure no contraindications with other medications you might be taking.
6. Consulting a Medical Professional:
   • Description: If your headache is severe or doesn’t improve with home remedies, it’s essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatments tailored to your condition.
   • Suggestions: Depending on the underlying cause, treatments might include antibiotics for sinus infections or specific medications for conditions like migraines.

However, if the pain is intense, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional promptly. Depending on the cause, your doctor might recommend antibiotics for sinus infections or specific migraine medications.

Conclusion

Headaches behind the eyes can be distressing, but understanding their causes and seeking appropriate treatments can help manage and prevent them. Whether it’s making lifestyle changes, seeking regular eye care, or consulting with a healthcare professional, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your well-being.