Left-Side Headache: Types, Causes, Treatment & More

Nearly 50% of adults worldwide are affected by headaches. The most common type of headache is primary, as there is no underlying injury or condition. 

Have you ever wondered what that left-side headache causes?

Most people experience headaches in their daily lives. Some headaches are minor and resolve themselves with home remedies, while others are several and require medical care. 

Many people experience headaches, which can be due to several reasons like stress, muscle tension, sinus issues, or side effects from medications. However, severe headaches might cause serious problems, and you should consult your doctor for better guidance. 

Intense pain on the left side of the head may be due to various reasons, including migraine, injuries, or infections. 

If you have a persistent headache with symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, or other symptoms, seek professional help. 

Several types of headaches cause pain on the left side, including tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. 

Let's learn more about the headaches on the left side, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What causes left-side headaches?

Here are some of the common reasons why left-side headaches occur- 

Migraine Headaches

Migraine can cause moderate to severe headaches on the left side of the head. 

A migraine headache may worsen on one side. The pain begins around the eye and then spreads across the head. 

Here are some common symptoms of migraine include-

• Dizziness
• Changes to vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to sound, light, touch, or smell
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the face

Common triggers of migraine include-

• Stress, a factor in 80% of case
• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods
• sleeping too much or too little
• Bright lights or lights that flicker
• Odors such as perfumes

Tension Headaches

This headache is most common in people and is often caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and scalp. The most common headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head, scalp, and around the neck. Stress, poor posture, and other factors may cause muscle tension and cause left-side headaches.

Cluster headaches

A cluster headache can cause severe pain, often around the eye and one side of the head. The pain can be extreme and may feel sharp, burning, or piercing. When this occurs, the headache tends to arise in 4-12 weeks and then stop, possibly for several years. This often affects the same side every time. 

Common features include:

• Pain behind one eye or one side of the forehead
• Pain that starts at night
• Severe pain that lasts 30-60 minutes
• Less intense pain that may continue up to 3 hours
• Related symptoms include-
• A blocked or runny nose
• A drooping eyelid
• Watering and redness in one eye
• sweaty face

Cervicogenic Headaches

This type of headache is caused by neck injuries such as whiplash, arthritis, or changes in the vertebrae at the top of the spine. 

It can cause-

• Moderate to severe headaches that start in the neck and spread to the eyes and face on the side of a stiff neck and 
• while moving the neck.
• severe pain in the neck and eyes, and face on one side
• sensitivity to light and sound
• pain around the eyes, neck, shoulders, and arms
• nausea
• blurred vision
• a stiff neck and reduced motion

Other factors responsible for left-side headaches include-

• Hormonal factors- Fluctuation in hormones, especially in women, can be a reason for left-side headaches.
• Weather changes- Weather changes may cause changes in pressure and may cause headaches.
• Caffeine withdrawal- Suddenly reducing caffeine intake may also cause left-sided headaches in some people. 
• Diet—Skipping meals is also a factor that may cause headaches, and some foods may also trigger headaches.
• Sleep disturbances- Lack of sleep schedule can lead to migraine and headaches.

Symptoms of Left-sided Headache

As mentioned above, there are many causes of left-sided headaches. However, here are some common symptoms associated with left-sided headaches are-

• Throbbing or Pulsating Pain which may worsen during physical activity. 
• Sharp pain on the left side of the head that comes and goes
• The headache on the left side of the head behind the eye is a cluster headache.
• Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smell may worsen the pain.
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Neck and Shoulder Tension
• Eye Pain and Redness 
• Scalp Tenderness
• Runny Nose or Congestion
• Fatigue or Dizziness

If you are persistently experiencing these symptoms, you must consult your doctor to determine the type and cause of your headache and get treatment early.

Left-side Headache Treatment Options

Most of the left-side headaches are treated with painkiller medications. The most popularly used medication for left-side headaches is ibuprofen and aspirin.

Your doctor may also provide stronger painkillers or muscle relaxants when migraine or tension headache pain is more severe.

Lifestyle changes to manage headaches-

• Relaxation techniques—Yoga and other relaxation techniques can help relieve pain and relax the body and mind. This relaxation may reduce muscle tension, headaches, and migraines.
• Avoiding food triggers- Migraine triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and cheese should be avoided.

Follow these measures to prevent headaches-

• managing stress
• avoiding known triggers
• having a regular sleep pattern
• Take prescribed stronger pain relief medications for severe pain.

Left-side headache home remedies

Here are some effective home remedies that may help to relieve your left-side headache-

1. Cold or Warm Compress—For migraines or intense headaches, use a cold compress; for tension headaches, use a warm compress on the neck and shoulders to relax muscles.
2. Essential Oils- Lavender or peppermint oil can reduce headache symptoms.
3. Hydration- Dehydration can worsen the headaches, So keep yourself hydrated to prevent left-side headaches.
4. Ginger Tea- It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce migraines' intensity. 
5. Caffeine in Moderation- A small amount of caffeine or coffee can relieve headaches. 
6. Yoga and Stretching- Gently stretching or yoga can relieve tension and improve blood flow. 
7. Massage Therapy- Massage the temples, neck, and scalp on the left side to improve circulation and relieve tension.
8. Sleep and Rest- Rest in a quiet, dark room to reduce headaches and migraines.

When to see a doctor for the left side headache

If you are experiencing constant or severe left-sided headaches that are also affecting your daily life, you must consult your healthcare professional. Your doctor may prescribe several medications and suggest a few lifestyle changes that may help to relieve your headache symptoms. 

FAQ’s

1. What is the reason for left-side headaches?

There are several reasons for left-side headaches, including tension or stress, dehydration, migraine, sinus congestion, and more. Consult your doctor to understand the cause of your left-side headache. 

2. How do you stop a left headache?

To stop your left-side headache, you should get proper rest and sleep, hydrate yourself, and consult your doctor about pain reliever medications. 

3. Why do I have a headache on the left side of my head for 3 days? 

Several factors, including migraine, tension, certain ear infections, tooth infections, and more, can cause a left-sided headache lasting 3 or more days. Consult your doctor to understand the cause of your headache better.

4. Can eye pain cause left-sided headaches?

Yes, eye pain causes left-sided headaches. However, several other reasons might also be involved, including infections, eye strain, sinus infections, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraines.