There are various types of headaches, and lots of factors might cause them. Headache above left eye, for example, may be due to an issue with the nerves or capillary in the area, or it can be a sign of infection. Headaches might come and go, however if your symptoms continues or worsens, call your doctor for appropriate assessment and treatment.
Why Do You Have Headache Above Left Eye?
1. Cluster Headaches
These are uncommon vascular headaches that differ from tension headaches or migraine headaches. The American Headache Society reports that cluster headaches are more common amongst men between 20 to 30 years old, which are referred to as severe, stabbing headaches that take place around the eye or temple.
Cluster headaches may take place every other day up to 8 times daily, lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Other symptoms consist of tearing, nasal blockage, runny nose, sweating, and saggy eyelid. Causes might consist of irregular hormone or neurotransmitter levels, hypothalamus dysfunction, and dietary or ecological triggers.
2. Sinus Infection
Headache above left eye might be triggered by sinus infections. You will feel pressure-like pain in some specific areas, which can worsen when you bend forward or do abrupt head motions. Pain might be severer in the morning after draining pipes mucus from the sinuses. Other symptoms include postnasal drip, sore throat, yellow-colored green nasal discharge, malaise and moderate to moderate-grade fever.
3. Glaucoma
Another condition that can cause headache above left eye is glaucoma. This condition is due to the build-up of pressure within the left eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, destroying peripheral vision and leading to blindness.
4. Infection or Tumors
Any infections or tumor in the left eye or brain can cause pain around the eye. Although infections or growths do not cause pain to the brain tissue, these can damage nerves and other tissues near the affected eye.
5. Aneurysm
Aneurysms are irregular capillary that balloon in the brain and can leak or burstcompletely, triggering bleeding, or stroke. Many hemorrhagic strokes take place in between the brain and its sensitive coverings, triggering subarachnoid hemorrhage. This causes a sudden, excruciating headache near the back of your head, can cause pain in the left or right eye. See your doctor immediately.
6. Trauma
Injury to the head or direct trauma near the left eye can cause fractures and bleeding within the skull or the area around your eye. This is common during contact sports.
7. Migraine
Migraine headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light sensitivity (photophobia), and visual symptoms.
8. When to Worry
Symptoms related to major headache above left eye may include the following scenarios:
- Early morning headaches
- Head pain becomes worse when straining, coughing or sneezing
- Vomiting however no nausea
- Unexpected and “worst headache” ever
- Constant or aggravating headache
- Weakness in arms/legs
- Personality modifications
- Vision changes
- Seizures
How Can I Relieve Headache Above Left Eye?
1. Treat Cluster Headaches
- Breathing in 100% oxygen through a face mask.
- Triptan injections, which are effective for severe cluster headaches. This kind of medication can also be used as a nasal spray, which may take longer to work.
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is another triptan medication used as a nasal spray or as oral tablets to relive cluster headaches.
- Octreotide (Sandostatin) is an injectable artificial hormone that mimics somatostatin, a natural brain hormone.
- Intranasal local anesthetics such as lidocaine might be effective versus cluster headache.
- Dihydroergotamine in the intravenous or intranasal kind may be used for this type of headache.
2. Treat Migraine
Migraine treatments include:
- Prescription drugs that work by acting upon particular receptors in the nerves/ capillary in your head
- Non-prescription rescue medications to stop headaches.
- Other preventive medications that should be taken daily to lower the frequency of migraine headaches.
3. Prevent Triggers
There are many elements that can activate headaches, including:
- Alcohol use (quit this bad/dangerous habit)
- Caffeine consumption
- Sweets and processed foods
- Skipping meals
- Intense lights
- Loud noises
- Absence of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
- Direct exposure to strong smells, including cigarette smoke
4. Self-Care Tips
A minor headache above left eye can be treated effectively with simple treatments. However, if you experience a sudden, “worst headache ever”, call 911 or go to an emergency clinic instantly. Practical home treatments consist of:
- Keeping your house quiet and lights dim.
- Using an ice pack as cold compress to the affected area.
- Getting physical therapy.
- Having a warm bath or shower.
- Lying down for a nap.
- Going out for a walk and fresh air.
- Having a neck massage.
- Utilizing the thumb and forefinger to use pressure to the afflicted area.
Preventive Tips to Take
- Limit coffee consumption. Although a small amount of caffeine can help avoid headaches, excessive use can cause overuse headaches. Take just one to two cups (less than 200 mg caffeine) of coffee each day (about two cups), or none at all.
- Quit alcohol. Alcohol is a typical trigger for alcohol-induced migraines.
- Take riboflavin (a B-vitamin) or vitamin D. Research shows that taking high dosages of these vitamins can help avoid your headaches. They increase nitric oxide levels, which keeps the blood vessels large.
- Have regular sleep schedule. Attempt to get up at the same time every day. A steady sleeping schedule generally decreases the frequency of headaches.
- Make your own exercise regimen. It is advised to exercise at least 30 minutes each day three times a week. Do aerobic exercises. Exercise releases the body’s natural chemicals called endorphins, which decrease pain. Exercise likewise minimizes stress and promotes much better moods and brain health.
