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Q: 

What do one-sided headaches mean?

By Anonymous June 8, 2016 - 2:55pm
 
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When I experience headaches, they are usually one sided and on my right side. When I have a headache I become nauseated and my eyes begin to tear. I can’t do anything but lay down because the pain becomes so bad. I was just wondering if this is normal and if there was a reason why the pain is only on one side of my head.

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Anonymous

Hello, I'm 19 years old and over the past few days have been experiencing continuous headaches. I used to get them before, but not so frequently. And also, I had my periods early this time, maybe that could be one of the reasons? I have been taking stress too.

August 29, 2016 - 8:07am
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Hi Anon,


Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community.


It's important to identify the type of headache you are having, especially since it is reoccurring. There are 5 different types of headaches; tention, cluster, sinus, rebound or migraine.

Based on your description of your symptoms and location of one side of your head, it seems you might be experiencing a cluster headache or a migraine.

  • Cluster - recurring headaches that occur in groups or cycles. Coming on  suddenly and are characterized by severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head often accompanied by a watery eye and nasal congestion or a runny nose on the same side of the face.

    •  
      • Do you have any nasal congestion or runny nose?

  • Migraine - resulting from a neurological disorder that can run in families and are defined by certain criteria.

    •  
      • At least five previous episodes of headaches

      • Lasting between four hours and 72 hours

      • Having at least two out of four of these features: one-sided pain, throbbing pain, moderate-to-severe pain, and pain that interferes with, is worsened by, or prohibits routine activity

      • Having at least one associated feature: nausea and/or vomiting, or, if those are not present, then sensitivity to light and sound.

I would make note of how often and other details about these headaches.  Also, make an appointment to see your doctor to determine possible causes and proper treatment.


Be well,

~Gillette


June 8, 2016 - 10:19pm
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