Right side head pain can stem from various causes, ranging from common issues to more complex conditions. Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
Common Causes
- Tension Headaches: Although often described as a band of pressure around the head, tension headaches can sometimes be more pronounced on one side.
- Migraines: Migraines frequently cause pain on one side of the head (though they can be bilateral). These headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in clusters or cycles, often affecting one side of the head, typically around the eye. They are known for their intense, piercing pain.
- Medication Overuse Headaches (Rebound Headaches): Ironically, frequent use of pain relievers to treat headaches can lead to more headaches, sometimes localized to one side.
Less Common Causes
- Sinus Infections: Although sinus infections typically cause facial pain and pressure, they can sometimes manifest as head pain concentrated on one side.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the TMJ, which connects the jaw to the skull, can cause pain that radiates to the head, potentially affecting one side more than the other.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition involves irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It can cause intense, stabbing pain on one side of the face and head.
- Occipital Neuralgia: This condition involves the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp. Irritation of these nerves can cause sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head that may radiate to one side.
- Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis): This is an inflammation of the arteries in the head and neck, and can cause headache, often on one side, along with other symptoms like jaw pain when chewing. It is more common in older adults.
- Cervicogenic Headache: These headaches originate from problems in the neck and can cause pain that radiates to one side of the head.
- Neurological Problems: In rare cases, structural problems in the brain, such as tumors or aneurysms, can cause headaches that are localized to one side. This is less common, but should be considered especially if the headache is new, severe, or accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It's important to consult a doctor if you experience:
- Sudden, severe headache ("thunderclap headache")
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties
- Headache after a head injury
- Chronic headaches that are getting worse or not responding to treatment
- New headaches, especially if you are over 50
Summary
Right side head pain can arise from various factors. While common causes like tension headaches, migraines, and sinus issues are frequent culprits, less common conditions such as TMJ disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, or, rarely, underlying neurological problems can also be responsible. Seeking professional medical evaluation is crucial, especially when the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by alarming symptoms.
