What causes headaches behind the eyes. How to identify different types of eye socket pain. What are the most effective treatments for headaches behind the eyes. How to prevent and manage headaches behind the eyes. When should you see a doctor for headaches behind the eyes.

Understanding Headaches Behind the Eye: Types and Characteristics

Headaches behind the eye can be a source of significant discomfort and concern for many individuals. These types of headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and associated symptoms, making it crucial to understand their different manifestations. Let’s explore the most common types of headaches that can cause pain behind the eye.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are often characterized by intense pain that typically begins around the eye and temple area. This pain can gradually spread to the back of the head, creating a sensation of pressure or throbbing. One distinctive feature of migraines is the potential occurrence of an aura, which may include visual disturbances such as halos or flashing lights that precede the onset of pain.

What are the common symptoms of a migraine headache?

• Nausea
• Runny nose or congestion
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
• Duration ranging from several hours to a few days

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most prevalent type of headache experienced by individuals. They typically manifest as a dull, persistent pain that affects both sides of the head or spreads across the forehead, often extending behind the eyes. Many people describe the sensation as a tight band wrapped around their head.

What are the key characteristics of tension headaches?

• Dull, aching pain on both sides of the head
• Pain that extends to the neck and shoulders
• Duration ranging from 20 minutes to a few hours
• Generally less severe than migraines

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are known for causing severe, intense pain around the eyes, often affecting only one side. These headaches tend to occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, hence their name. While less common than migraines or tension headaches, cluster headaches can be extremely debilitating.

What are the distinctive features of cluster headaches?

• Severe pain around one eye
• Watery eyes and congestion
• Red, flushed face
• Attacks lasting 30 to 60 minutes
• Restlessness during episodes
• More common in men

Identifying Triggers and Causes of Headaches Behind the Eye

Understanding the triggers and causes of headaches behind the eye is crucial for effective management and prevention. Different types of headaches may have varying triggers, and identifying these can help individuals take proactive steps to reduce their frequency and severity.

Migraine Triggers

What are common triggers for migraine headaches?

• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns
• Weather changes, particularly barometric pressure fluctuations
• Stress and anxiety
• Bright lights or loud noises
• Strong smells
• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, MSG)
• Skipping meals or dehydration
• Hormonal changes, especially in women

Tension Headache Triggers

What factors can contribute to tension headaches?

• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Poor posture, especially during prolonged desk work
• Eyestrain from extended screen time
• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Fatigue and lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Bright sunlight or glare
• Certain odors or strong smells

Cluster Headache Triggers

What triggers are associated with cluster headaches?

• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Certain medications
• Changes in sleep patterns
• High altitudes
• Strong smells, such as paint or petrol

Effective Treatments for Headaches Behind the Eye

Managing headaches behind the eye often requires a multifaceted approach, combining medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes alternative therapies. The most appropriate treatment plan depends on the type of headache, its frequency, and severity.

Medication Options

What medications are commonly used to treat headaches behind the eye?

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers:
   • Acetaminophen
   • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
2. Prescription medications:
   • Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan) for migraines
   • Beta-blockers or antidepressants for chronic migraines
   • Oxygen therapy for cluster headaches
   • Verapamil or prednisone for cluster headache prevention

It’s important to note that overuse of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches, so it’s crucial to use them as directed by a healthcare professional.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

What are some effective home remedies for headaches behind the eye?

• Applying cold or hot compresses to the affected area
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals
• Limiting caffeine intake
• Exercising regularly to reduce stress and improve overall health
• Using a humidifier to prevent sinus-related headaches
• Taking frequent breaks during screen time to reduce eyestrain

Prevention Strategies for Headaches Behind the Eye

Preventing headaches behind the eye is often more effective than treating them after they occur. By implementing certain lifestyle changes and adopting preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches.

Lifestyle Modifications

What lifestyle changes can help prevent headaches behind the eye?

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Managing stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques
• Avoiding known trigger foods and beverages
• Staying hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Practicing good posture, especially when working at a desk
• Taking regular breaks during prolonged screen time
• Using proper lighting to reduce eyestrain

Preventive Medications

In some cases, particularly for individuals who experience frequent or severe headaches, preventive medications may be recommended. These are typically taken daily to reduce the occurrence of headaches.

What types of preventive medications are used for headaches behind the eye?

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol)
• Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, venlafaxine)
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate, valproic acid)
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil for cluster headaches)
• CGRP antagonists (new class of drugs specifically for migraine prevention)

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate preventive strategy based on individual circumstances and medical history.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches Behind the Eye

While many headaches behind the eye can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs of a potentially serious condition is crucial for timely intervention and proper treatment.

Red Flags for Immediate Medical Care

When should you seek immediate medical attention for a headache behind the eye?

• Sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or rash
• Headache following a head injury
• Headache with neurological symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body
• Headache with visual disturbances that persist even after the pain subsides
• New onset of headaches in individuals over 50 years old
• Headaches that wake you from sleep or are worse in the morning
• Headaches that progressively worsen over time

Diagnostic Procedures

What diagnostic tests might a doctor perform for persistent or severe headaches behind the eye?

• Neurological examination
• Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI
• Blood tests to rule out underlying conditions
• Eye examination to check for ocular causes
• Lumbar puncture in cases where meningitis is suspected

Advanced Treatments and Emerging Therapies for Headaches Behind the Eye

As medical research progresses, new and innovative treatments for headaches behind the eye continue to emerge. These advanced therapies offer hope for individuals who have not found relief through conventional methods.

Neurostimulation Techniques

What are some neurostimulation techniques used for treating headaches behind the eye?

• Transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation (t-SNS)
• Occipital nerve stimulation
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

These techniques involve the use of electrical or magnetic stimulation to modulate pain signals in the nervous system, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have shown promising results in the treatment of chronic migraines. How does Botox work for headache prevention?

Botox is injected into specific areas around the head and neck, typically every 12 weeks. It is believed to work by blocking the release of pain-signaling chemicals and reducing muscle tension, which can contribute to headaches.

Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How can mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help with headaches behind the eye?

• Mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and improve pain management
• CBT can help identify and modify thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to headaches
• These approaches can be particularly effective when combined with traditional medical treatments

Living with Chronic Headaches Behind the Eye: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals who experience frequent or chronic headaches behind the eye, developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can significantly improve quality of life.

Lifestyle Adaptations

What lifestyle adaptations can help manage chronic headaches behind the eye?

• Maintaining a headache diary to identify patterns and triggers
• Developing a consistent sleep routine
• Incorporating regular relaxation techniques into daily life
• Making dietary adjustments based on identified triggers
• Creating a low-stress environment at home and work
• Using assistive devices like blue light filters for screens

Support Groups and Resources

How can support groups and resources benefit individuals with chronic headaches?

• Provide a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies
• Offer emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation
• Provide access to the latest information on treatments and research
• Connect individuals with healthcare professionals specializing in headache management

Many organizations, such as the National Headache Foundation and the American Migraine Foundation, offer valuable resources and support for individuals living with chronic headaches.

In conclusion, headaches behind the eye can significantly impact one’s quality of life, but with proper understanding, management, and support, it’s possible to reduce their frequency and severity. By identifying triggers, exploring various treatment options, and adopting preventive strategies, individuals can take control of their headache conditions and improve their overall well-being. Remember, persistent or severe headaches should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Headache Behind Eye: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment

Written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, John Donovan

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on December 13, 2022

• What Is a Headache Behind the Eye?
• Causes of Headache Behind the Eye
• Headache Behind the Eye Triggers
• Headache Behind the Eye Treatment
• Waking Up With a Headache Behind the Eyes?

If you feel pain behind your eyes, there are many possible causes. There’s a good chance it could be a specific type of headache.

Migraine headaches

These headaches often begin with pain around your eye and temple. They can spread to the back of your head. You might also have an aura, which can include visual signs like a halo or flashing lights that sometimes come before the pain starts.

Getting a headache behind your eyes can happen for a wide range of reasons, including migraine and sleep problems.

You may also have nausea, a runny nose, or congestion. You could be sensitive to light, sounds, or smells. Migraine headaches can last several hours to a few days.

Tension headaches

These are the most common type of headache. They usually cause a dull pain on both sides of your head or across the front of your head, behind your eyes. Your shoulders and neck may also hurt. Tension headaches might last 20 minutes to a few hours.

Cluster headaches

These cause severe pain around your eyes, often around just one eye. They usually come in groups. You may have several of them every day for weeks and then not have any for a year or more before they start again.

Along with the pain, you may also have watery eyes, congestion, and a red, flushed face. The attacks last 30 to 60 minutes and are so strong that you may be restless and can’t stand still while they happen. Cluster headaches aren’t very common and mostly happen in men.

Sinus headaches

A sinus infection (sinusitis) can cause a headache around your eyes, nose, forehead, cheeks, and upper teeth. This is where your sinuses are. You’ll often also have a fever, congestion, and a thick nasal discharge. The pain usually gets worse throughout the day.

True sinus headaches are rare. Migraine and cluster headaches are often mistaken for sinus headaches.

Eyestrain

This is when your eyes get tired from working too hard from doing things like staring at a computer screen or driving for a long time.

Other symptoms can include:

• Sore, itching, burning eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sore shoulders or back

Eyestrain isn’t serious and usually goes away when you rest your eyes.

Different things may set off each type of headache.

You might get migraines because of:

• A lack of sleep
• Weather changes
• Stress
• Lights
• Noises
• Smells
• Things you eat or drink, like alcohol, chocolate, or MSG
• Missing a meal

Things that may give you a tension headache include:

• Stress
• Eyestrain
• Poor posture
• Problems with the muscles or joints in your neck or jaw
• Fatigue
• Dehydration or missing a meal
• Bright sunlight
• Noise
• Certain smells

Cluster headaches are often triggered by alcohol, smoking, or certain medications.

Learning to avoid your triggers may prevent headaches or make them less painful. If you do get one, there are many kinds of treatments.

Medication for headache behind the eye

Over-the-counter pain medicine can ease occasional headaches. It may even help with migraine if you take it early enough. Doctors often recommend acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. But remember that taking them too often can trigger overuse headaches.

If you get frequent tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe medication. Antidepressants like amitriptyline help many people.

Sometimes, prescription drugs are the only things that will ease migraine pain. Some of the most common are triptans such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). They help most people within 2 hours if taken early enough. People who get chronic migraines often take medicine like beta-blockers or antidepressants every day to help cut back on how many they have.

Breathing pure oxygen may bring relief of cluster headaches. Injected triptans like sumatriptan and lidocaine nose drops might also help. Some people take medicines such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan) or prednisone to prevent attacks.

Treat a sinus headache by clearing up the infection. Your doctor might suggest antibiotics and decongestants.

Home remedies for headache behind the eye

Caffeine or ice packs may help with migraine pain.

For a tension headache, try a heating pad or a warm shower, or rest until the headache goes away. It can also help to find better ways to handle stress. Learn relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing. Try not to skip meals or get too tired.

When you have a sinus infection, breathe in warm, moist air from a vaporizer or a pot of boiling water to ease congestion. Warm compresses can also help.

If your eyes are often strained, take breaks and blink more. Artificial tears may also refresh your eyes. Check with your doctor to make sure your vision prescription is up to date, and ask about exercises to strengthen eye muscles.

If you wake up in the morning with a pounding headache behind your eyes, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at some common causes of morning headaches:

Hangovers. After drinking too much alcohol, when your blood alcohol content drops back to normal or close to it, you start to feel symptoms that can include headaches. They can be caused by a couple of things. When you drink, the alcohol causes your body to make more urine, which can cause you to become dehydrated. The alcohol also causes your blood vessels to expand, which can lead to headaches. If you have more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness, get medical help right away.

Migraine. The most common time for a migraine to happen is the early morning as pain medication you took before you went to sleep begins to wear off. But migraine headaches are complicated. They’re different for everybody. If you have a migraine or headache of any type that continually wakes you in the morning and gets in the way of your work or personal life, a doctor’s visit may be in order. Treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, are available.

Sleep apnea. This is a condition where your throat muscles partially collapse while you sleep and interrupt your breathing. Other signs of sleep apnea include dry mouth and snoring. Sleep apnea is a serious health problem. Your doctor may suggest that you do a sleep test. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine might help, and lifestyle changes like losing weight and rolling off your back while you sleep could also help you get better rest.

Other sleep disorders. The relationship between sleep and headaches is a tricky one. Sometimes headaches are the cause of poor sleep, sometimes they’re the result of it. If it’s hard to get to sleep, stay asleep, or if you just wake up too early, you may have insomnia. It’s been tied to some forms of chronic headaches, including morning headaches. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders mess with when you fall to sleep or wake up. They can lead to morning headaches, too. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, see your doctor.

Overmedication. A medication overuse headache (MOH) can happen if you’re already prone to headaches and you take a lot of pain meds. A MOH usually hits right when you wake up. For those with chronic headaches, using medication more than 2 or 3 days a week may be too much. Check with your doctor about this. They can help you treat your headaches without overusing pain meds.

TMJ. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. Pain in the joint and its surrounding muscles, caused by things like too much gum chewing or clenching and grinding your teeth at night, can bring a morning headache. A dentist can prescribe an oral device to keep you from grinding your teeth at night. 

Top Picks

Headache Behind Eye: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment

Written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, John Donovan

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on December 13, 2022

• What Is a Headache Behind the Eye?
• Causes of Headache Behind the Eye
• Headache Behind the Eye Triggers
• Headache Behind the Eye Treatment
• Waking Up With a Headache Behind the Eyes?

If you feel pain behind your eyes, there are many possible causes. There’s a good chance it could be a specific type of headache.

Migraine headaches

These headaches often begin with pain around your eye and temple. They can spread to the back of your head. You might also have an aura, which can include visual signs like a halo or flashing lights that sometimes come before the pain starts.

Getting a headache behind your eyes can happen for a wide range of reasons, including migraine and sleep problems.

You may also have nausea, a runny nose, or congestion. You could be sensitive to light, sounds, or smells. Migraine headaches can last several hours to a few days.

Tension headaches

These are the most common type of headache. They usually cause a dull pain on both sides of your head or across the front of your head, behind your eyes. Your shoulders and neck may also hurt. Tension headaches might last 20 minutes to a few hours.

Cluster headaches

These cause severe pain around your eyes, often around just one eye. They usually come in groups. You may have several of them every day for weeks and then not have any for a year or more before they start again.

Along with the pain, you may also have watery eyes, congestion, and a red, flushed face. The attacks last 30 to 60 minutes and are so strong that you may be restless and can’t stand still while they happen. Cluster headaches aren’t very common and mostly happen in men.

Sinus headaches

A sinus infection (sinusitis) can cause a headache around your eyes, nose, forehead, cheeks, and upper teeth. This is where your sinuses are. You’ll often also have a fever, congestion, and a thick nasal discharge. The pain usually gets worse throughout the day.

True sinus headaches are rare. Migraine and cluster headaches are often mistaken for sinus headaches.

Eyestrain

This is when your eyes get tired from working too hard from doing things like staring at a computer screen or driving for a long time.

Other symptoms can include:

• Sore, itching, burning eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sore shoulders or back

Eyestrain isn’t serious and usually goes away when you rest your eyes.

Different things may set off each type of headache.

You might get migraines because of:

• A lack of sleep
• Weather changes
• Stress
• Lights
• Noises
• Smells
• Things you eat or drink, like alcohol, chocolate, or MSG
• Missing a meal

Things that may give you a tension headache include:

• Stress
• Eyestrain
• Poor posture
• Problems with the muscles or joints in your neck or jaw
• Fatigue
• Dehydration or missing a meal
• Bright sunlight
• Noise
• Certain smells

Cluster headaches are often triggered by alcohol, smoking, or certain medications.

Learning to avoid your triggers may prevent headaches or make them less painful. If you do get one, there are many kinds of treatments.

Medication for headache behind the eye

Over-the-counter pain medicine can ease occasional headaches. It may even help with migraine if you take it early enough. Doctors often recommend acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. But remember that taking them too often can trigger overuse headaches.

If you get frequent tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe medication. Antidepressants like amitriptyline help many people.

Sometimes, prescription drugs are the only things that will ease migraine pain. Some of the most common are triptans such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). They help most people within 2 hours if taken early enough. People who get chronic migraines often take medicine like beta-blockers or antidepressants every day to help cut back on how many they have.

Breathing pure oxygen may bring relief of cluster headaches. Injected triptans like sumatriptan and lidocaine nose drops might also help. Some people take medicines such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan) or prednisone to prevent attacks.

Treat a sinus headache by clearing up the infection. Your doctor might suggest antibiotics and decongestants.

Home remedies for headache behind the eye

Caffeine or ice packs may help with migraine pain.

For a tension headache, try a heating pad or a warm shower, or rest until the headache goes away. It can also help to find better ways to handle stress. Learn relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing. Try not to skip meals or get too tired.

When you have a sinus infection, breathe in warm, moist air from a vaporizer or a pot of boiling water to ease congestion. Warm compresses can also help.

If your eyes are often strained, take breaks and blink more. Artificial tears may also refresh your eyes. Check with your doctor to make sure your vision prescription is up to date, and ask about exercises to strengthen eye muscles.

If you wake up in the morning with a pounding headache behind your eyes, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at some common causes of morning headaches:

Hangovers. After drinking too much alcohol, when your blood alcohol content drops back to normal or close to it, you start to feel symptoms that can include headaches. They can be caused by a couple of things. When you drink, the alcohol causes your body to make more urine, which can cause you to become dehydrated. The alcohol also causes your blood vessels to expand, which can lead to headaches. If you have more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness, get medical help right away.

Migraine. The most common time for a migraine to happen is the early morning as pain medication you took before you went to sleep begins to wear off. But migraine headaches are complicated. They’re different for everybody. If you have a migraine or headache of any type that continually wakes you in the morning and gets in the way of your work or personal life, a doctor’s visit may be in order. Treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, are available.

Sleep apnea. This is a condition where your throat muscles partially collapse while you sleep and interrupt your breathing. Other signs of sleep apnea include dry mouth and snoring. Sleep apnea is a serious health problem. Your doctor may suggest that you do a sleep test. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine might help, and lifestyle changes like losing weight and rolling off your back while you sleep could also help you get better rest.

Other sleep disorders. The relationship between sleep and headaches is a tricky one. Sometimes headaches are the cause of poor sleep, sometimes they’re the result of it. If it’s hard to get to sleep, stay asleep, or if you just wake up too early, you may have insomnia. It’s been tied to some forms of chronic headaches, including morning headaches. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders mess with when you fall to sleep or wake up. They can lead to morning headaches, too. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, see your doctor.

Overmedication. A medication overuse headache (MOH) can happen if you’re already prone to headaches and you take a lot of pain meds. A MOH usually hits right when you wake up. For those with chronic headaches, using medication more than 2 or 3 days a week may be too much. Check with your doctor about this. They can help you treat your headaches without overusing pain meds.

TMJ. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. Pain in the joint and its surrounding muscles, caused by things like too much gum chewing or clenching and grinding your teeth at night, can bring a morning headache. A dentist can prescribe an oral device to keep you from grinding your teeth at night. 

Top Picks

Eye pains and headaches

Are eye pains always associated with eye disease?

No, other conditions can cause pain in or around the eyes.

In what cases can the causes of eye pain be hidden in other areas of the body?

The eye is a richly nerved organ, whose sensitivity is provided by the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation in the scalp, upper eyelid, lacrimal gland, cornea and mucous membrane of the eye, in the root of the nose, frontal sinuses, as well as in part of the membrane of the brain – in its outer layer and in the blood vessels. One of the manifestations of the disease of this nerve may also be pain in the eyes, although the eye, as an organ, is healthy.

Trigeminal (V) nerve and its branches

One of the nuclei of the trigeminal nerve is located in the cervical region, where its sensory fibers interact with the brain XI or accessory nerve, as well as with nerve pathways in the upper part of the neck, thus bringing the pain that appeared in the neck to the head, including the eyes.

Trigeminal V nucleus in the cervical region

Pain in the eyes can also be caused by optic neuritis, as well as occipital neuralgia or nerve disease that has arisen in the region of the first and second cervical vertebrae.

Anatomy of the optic nerve

What diseases cause eye pain and headache?

Migraine or a disease characterized by severe headache. Symptoms of the disease may also include increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, pain in or behind the eyes, blurred vision, changes in the field of vision (floating blurs, flashes of light), etc.

Migraine is divided into two types – migraine with or without aura. In the case of migraine with aura, before a migraine attack, symptoms are felt that indicate the approach of an attack. A migraine attack can last from several hours to several days and usually occurs in stages. Despite this, each patient has an attack individually.

There is also ocular migraine, when in the event of an attack the main complaints are related to changes in vision, blurring.

Migraine and cluster headaches

Cluster (bundle) headache is one of the most severe headaches. It usually starts suddenly, without any warning symptoms, and continues as episodic pains that recur periodically. Attacks usually last 6 to 12 weeks and may be seasonal. During an attack, pain usually occurs daily, and sometimes several times a day. The duration of one attack of pain can last from 15 to 180 minutes, moreover, the pain occurs every time at the same time of day, most often at night, 2-3 hours after falling asleep. The pain is usually excruciating, in most cases localized around the eyes, but can also radiate to the face, head, and even to the neck and shoulders. The pain is one-sided, it can also be accompanied by redness of the eye, tearing, swelling, and sometimes even drooping of the upper eyelid.

Occipital neuralgia (occipital neuralgia) is a common type of headache. These headaches are caused by damage to the greater or lesser occipital nerves, which originate in the neck, near the second and third occipital vertebrae. Causes of pain can be tumors, trauma, infections, hemorrhages, or systemic diseases such as osteoarthritis, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, diabetes, and gout. Occipital neuralgia can also be triggered by a long stay in a position with the head tilted down. As a rule, the pain begins in the neck, then spreads upward and is reflected in the region of the eye orbits, the back of the head, forehead and temples. The pain is sharp, pulsating, similar to an electric shock.

Trochleitis – inflammation of the oblique muscle of the eye, which causes pain above the eyeball or in the inner corner. Trochleitis can be caused by autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the connective tissue such as Behcet’s disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, lymphoma, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, and rheumatic diseases – rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or inflammation of the sinuses, tumors. In the case of trochleitis, the pain is prolonged and can range in intensity from dull to severe. Various studies also suggest that trochleitis may exacerbate migraine attacks in patients who already have migraine.

Trochlear nerve anatomy

LASH is a very rare type of headache that presents in two ways. In the first case, the manifestations of the disease are episodic, and they are characterized by short-term and frequent attacks of headache, accompanied by symptoms such as conjunctivitis, lacrimation, drooping of the upper eyelid, nasal discharge. One attack lasts from 2 to 45 minutes. In the second case, LASH manifests itself in the form of a mild to moderate, long-term, one-sided headache, during which migraine-like attacks appear with an even more pronounced pain syndrome. In both cases, the localization of pain can also be behind the eyeball.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, in which case even the slightest facial irritation can cause an onset of acute pain. Pain can be caused by smiling, talking, touching your face, drinking cold or hot drinks, shaving your beard, brushing your teeth, etc. Seizures may initially be short and mild, gradually progressing in both duration and intensity. The pain is cutting in nature and similar to an electrical discharge, the cause of their occurrence is completely unknown.

Optic neuritis is a demyelinating inflammation of the optic nerve in which the optic nerve loses its myelin fiber, resulting in impaired transmission of visual information to and from the brain. This inflammation is characterized by blurred vision and pain that is aggravated by eye movement. Changes in the perception of colors are also usually common. Often pain is the first manifestation of optic neuritis. The causes of this inflammation are often systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis.

Postherpetic neuralgia occurs in 7% of patients with herpes zoster, in whom the course of the disease also affected the eyes. After recovery, the patient may have episodic or even persistent pain for months or even years, including the area around the eyes. The greatest chance of developing postherpetic neuralgia occurs in the elderly, as well as in people whose herpes began with a prodrome – symptoms similar to a cold.

Disease of the paranasal sinuses is an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses that can result from exposure to various viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergens. Inflammation creates a blockage of these sinuses, which is expressed by characteristic symptoms – discharge from the nose, pain in the facial area, including around the eyes, headache, fever, weakness, pain in the neck and cough.

Sinuses

Reflective pain. Eye pain also occurs with pain in the frontal lobe, reflecting pain from the frontal lobe to the eye, with damage to the back of the brain, and also with cervicalgia or pain in the neck.

The already famous philosopher Socrates, who lived before our era, said: “Just as one cannot start treating the eye without thinking about the head, or treating the head without thinking about the whole organism, so one cannot treat the body without treating the soul …” Although modern medicine is extremely highly specialized in various medical fields, it is always worth remembering that the human body is an integral entity that needs to be looked at on a larger scale.

Headache and eye pain: causes, treatment. How dangerous is it?

From Beth Longware Duff; reviewed by Gary Heiting, OD

A headache behind the eyeballs is something most people experience at some point in their lives. Symptoms include pain originating in the sinuses or at the back of the eye, which may or may not throb.

When you have a headache behind your eyeballs, you immediately want to feel relief. Also, you want answers.

What causes a headache behind the eyeballs? What can be done to ease the pain? Can a headache behind the eyeballs be caused by vision problems?

Let’s deal with the last question first.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) defines “pain behind the eyeballs” as “physical discomfort caused by eye disease or other disease.” However, the AAO also notes that “where you feel pain does not necessarily indicate the cause of that pain.”

In most cases, a headache behind the eyeballs is a kind of so-called radiating pain, that is, pain that is localized in a place remote from the pathological focus in which it arose. Radiating pain is common because the body has a network of interconnected sensory nerves that innervate many different tissues.

“Pain originating in almost every sensory structure in the head is redirected to the eye area,” says Dr. Mark W. Green, MD, professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. “Just because the pain is felt in the eye area, does not mean that the source of its occurrence is located there. In fact, pain sensations and the place of their occurrence rarely coincide with each other.

Dr. Green points out one useful rule to remember: if the white part of the eye (sclera) is not reddened and there are no visual complaints such as blurry or distorted vision, then it is unlikely that the headache is due to an eye disorder.

WHAT CAUSES A HEADACHE IN THE EYEBALLS? Ask an expert. Find an optometrist nearby and book an in-person or virtual appointment.

Common Causes of Headache Behind the Eyes

Migraine

Migraine headache is the most common type of headache that causes disability. This is an intermittent headache that lasts up to 72 hours and often causes severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head and behind the eye. Migraine headaches can also spread to the back of the head.

Other typical migraine symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, smells and sounds.

“The term ‘migraine’ comes from the word megrim, which means ‘headache accompanied by nausea’. During a migraine attack, people feel nauseous,” notes Green. “Speaking of migraine, it should be borne in mind that this form of headache has many varieties. They differ in sensations, but still fall within the range of its manifestations.

Visual disturbances such as flashing flashes or halos around lights, called migraine aura, may precede a headache, but most migraine sufferers do not experience a migraine aura.

There are many factors that trigger a migraine attack. These include fatigue, emotional stress, lack or excess of sleep, missed meals, bright or flickering lights, strong odors, loud noises, certain foods, and changes in temperature and humidity.

It appears that the development of migraine also depends on genetic factors, as 70% of migraine sufferers report at least one close relative who also has a history of migraine.

Early-stage migraine can be successfully treated without prescription painkillers, but some available prescription drugs can be used both to prevent and reduce attacks and to treat acute migraine headaches.

Daily medication may be required to treat chronic migraines and prevent headaches behind the eyeballs.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headache is characterized by multiple, frequent, brief, and extremely painful headache attacks. These periods of cluster pain can last for weeks or months, followed by a period of remission when no headache occurs for months or years.

This type of headache usually comes on fairly quickly, sometimes with an aura, and can last up to three hours. Symptoms include excruciating pain (often a headache behind one eyeball) that can radiate to other parts of the face, head and neck, redness and swelling of the eyes, and excessive tearing.

Cluster headaches are thought to be caused by disorders in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that controls many of the body’s vital functions). To date, there are no established mechanisms for the occurrence and methods of permanent elimination of cluster pain behind the eyeballs.

The treatment of this type of pain is focused on reducing the severity of pain, reducing the period of its manifestation and preventing future attacks. Some of the most popular treatments are oxygen therapy, triptan injections, and local anesthetics.

Sinus infections

The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones. They are located deep in the nose, inside the forehead and cheeks, and behind the eyeballs. A sinus infection (sinusitis) is a common cause of pain, including headache behind the eyeballs.

Migraine headaches are often misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. Treatment for sinus headaches is to eliminate the original infection with prescription antibiotics and decongestants.

Eye conditions that cause headache behind the eyes

In conclusion, there are a number of eye diseases and other problems that can cause a headache behind the eyeballs. These include:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve and causes peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, difficulty adapting to darkness, and halos around light sources.

A specific type of glaucoma called acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause nausea and severe headache behind the eyes. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Scleritis

Scleritis is an acute inflammation of the sclera of the eye or the outer covering of the eyeball.

Most commonly caused by autoimmune disorders, symptoms include headache behind the eyeballs, eye redness, conjunctivitis, tearing and blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, accompanied by eye pain or headache behind the eyeballs, blurred vision, loss of color vision, floaters, nausea, and loss of vision.