What does the location of a headache indicate?

Headaches are a very common condition that most people experience multiple times in their lives. Different headache locations reflect different health conditions of the patient.

Headaches are a very common condition that most people experience many times in their lives - Illustration.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tuan, a lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Vietnam National University , Hanoi ), suggests some headache locations that may indicate potential health problems.

Pain in the forehead

Headaches in the forehead area can feel like a heavy object is pressing down on the head or that the head is being squeezed tightly. In some cases, this is accompanied by pain in the temples or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back of the head.

This condition can be caused by staring at computer or phone screens for too long, or reading in poor lighting conditions, which puts strain on the eyes.

Pain in the temples

Temporal pain can stem from various causes such as stress and migraines. It can also be caused by temporal arteritis, but this is less common and requires prompt medical attention.

Accompanying symptoms include fever, changes in vision, weight loss, muscle pain in the arm or shoulder...

Pain in the back of the head

Pain in the back of the head can be caused by strain in the neck or spine, or it could be a consequence of an injury. In more serious cases, pain in the back of the head may stem from a leaking blood vessel.

If a patient experiences severe pain within 5 minutes of the onset of pain, accompanied by fever, sensitivity to light, changes in vision, loss of balance, etc., they should seek medical attention promptly.

Migraine

Migraine headaches affect either the right or left side of the head, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.

The illness lasts from two hours to three days. Migraines can be persistent and recurrent, so patients need to see a doctor for treatment and effective management.

Migraine headaches can be chronic and recurrent; patients need to see a doctor for treatment and effective disease management - Illustration.

Pain behind the eye

Pain originating from behind the eyes can be a sign of sinusitis. Sinus headaches are common during cold weather, when cold-causing bacteria spread more easily. Sinusitis is also accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye pain, forehead pain, and high fever.

According to Dr. Tuan, headaches usually tend to subside within 6 hours. If the pain worsens or the headache comes on suddenly and intensely, the patient should see a doctor for timely treatment.

Headaches in these cases may be a warning sign of cerebral ischemia, stroke, or brain tumors.

"Patients should not self-medicate with headache painkillers without a prescription and medical examination, especially after injury or a fall. Actively prevent headaches by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep."

"Supplementing with natural extracts that can support nutrient supply and regulate blood flow to the brain, such as blueberries and ginkgo, can improve headaches and insomnia," Dr. Tuan emphasized.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-dau-o-dau-noi-len-dieu-gi-20241118171116907.htm