• Cluster Headaches
• Migraines

Why Do I Have a Headache on the Left Side of My Head?

While all headaches don’t feel the same, we all experience them at one point or another. Some headaches may feel like a throbbing pain behind the eyes, whereas others may only cause pain on the left side of your head. 

It may be difficult for a healthcare provider to make a diagnosis strictly from where you feel pain. Pain on the left side of your head may be the result of health conditions and lifestyle factors.

Some studies have found that those who experience headaches with pain on the left side may experience them more often than people who have headaches that cause pain on the right side.

What Causes a Headache on the Left Side?

There are three main types of headaches — migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Migraines are the most common cause of headaches that result in pain only on the left side of the head. 

What causes migraines?

Migraines may cause pain on the left side of the head. This happens when blood vessels in the brain narrow and release serotonin. 

What causes tension headaches?

Tension headaches are a type of primary headache that most people experience. It’s often caused by stress and may feel like tightness around your head that may increase in intensity on the left or right side.

What causes cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches primarily affect adult men. They may cause a stabbing, piercing pain on the left side of the head. Cluster headaches recur often and may last for months. In rare cases, pain from a cluster headache may persist for years.

What causes cervicogenic headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are a less common type of headache caused by pain in the nerves at the top of the spinal cord and bottom of the head. Poor posture and inflammation in the nerves near the spinal cord may cause neck issues and a headache on the left side of the head.

Additional causes of pain on the left side of the head

Other causes of pain on the left side of the head include:

• Dehydration

• Eye strain

• Sinus congestion

• Hormonal imbalance

• Sleep disorders

• Sudden changes in temperature

• Caffeine withdrawal

• Stress

• Inflammation

The following medications may cause pain on the left side of the head:

• Birth control pills

• Antidepressants

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Prescription pain medications

While pain relievers may provide quick relief from a headache, using too much of them may cause rebound headaches  — recurring headaches from using pain medications for too long.

What are the Symptoms of a Headache on the Left Side?

Pain on the left side of the head may come from pain to nerves in the face and neck. Neuralgia is a condition that causes nerve pain and damage. It may cause increased skin sensitivity and stabbing head pain. 

What are the symptoms of migraines?

The first sign of a migraine is seeing zigzag lines or spots in your line of vision before feeling the pain from a headache. Migraines that cause sharp pain on the left side of the head may also cause:

• Throbbing pain

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an autoimmune condition that can cause a similar pain in the left temple similar to a migraine. This condition mostly affects adults over the age of 50. Headaches from temporal arteritis may cause scalp tenderness that comes and goes.

What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?

The symptoms of cluster headaches can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours a day. In some cases, they can persist for six to twelve weeks or once a year. Cluster headaches where pain is felt on the left side may lead to:

• Pain behind the eyes

• Burning sensation behind the eyes

• Piercing pain on one side of the head

• Redness in one eye

• Swelling

What are the symptoms of tension headaches?

While tension headaches may cause pain only on the left side of the head, most of the time they cause pain around the entire head. Tension headaches may lead to the following symptoms:

• Pressure in the head

• Dull pain

• Achiness around the head

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Nausea

• Forehead pain on the left side

What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?

Having a sinus infection causes headaches that feel like pressure in the face. Sinus headaches may feel like discomfort around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. Symptoms associated with a sinus headache include:

• Nasal congestion

• Coughing

• Sore throat

How to Relieve Pain on the Left Side of the Head

Many OTC pain relievers reduce pain for mild to moderate headaches. Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and aspirin may minimize pain on the left side of the head.

It may help to reduce light and sound while using OTC pain relievers to treat migraines. Some healthcare providers may recommend keeping track of your symptoms to come up with a treatment plan for you.

Alternative therapies for pain relief

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend the following types of therapies for people who experience headaches often:

Massage therapy: A healthcare provider gently massages the left side of the scalp to relieve headache pain. This may reduce tension in the muscles and improve blood flow.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT may be used with pain relievers for pain caused by anxiety, chronic stress, and other emotional issues that may cause physical pain on the left side of the head.

How to Prevent Headaches on the Left Side

Headache pain is often caused by dehydration. It’s important to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent headaches from dehydration. Forgetting to eat throughout the day may also increase your risk of a headache.

It’s important to manage stress levels to prevent a build-up of tension that may lead to a headache on the left side of the head. You may want to consider making your living space and office space as relaxing as possible to reduce stress. Taking breaks throughout the day to take deep breaths or practice a meditative activity may also help.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Be sure to see a healthcare provider if you continue to experience recurring headaches even after using OTC medications. 

If you have a history of high blood pressure or neurological conditions, it’s important to let a healthcare provider know when you are experiencing symptoms. Headaches that get in the way of you completing daily activities may be a sign of a more serious health condition.

Serious health conditions that may come from a headache on the left side include:

• Temporal arteritis

• Sinusitis

• Traumatic brain injury

• Stroke

• Brain tumor

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Headaches?

Some headaches may be felt on the left side of the head, while others may feel like a throbbing pain all around. LifeMD provides you with access to healthcare providers who can help you come up with a personalized treatment plan for both.

Schedule an appointment today to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options and tips for managing pain.

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