What are the common causes of headaches behind the eyes. How can you identify different types of eye socket pain. What triggers headaches behind the eyes. Which treatments are most effective for relieving eye-related headaches. How can you prevent headaches behind the eyes from occurring.

Types of Headaches Causing Pain Behind the Eyes

Headaches that cause pain behind the eyes can stem from various conditions. Understanding the different types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore the most common headaches associated with eye socket pain:

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches often begin with pain around the eye and temple, potentially spreading to the back of the head. These headaches can be accompanied by an aura, which may include visual disturbances like halos or flashing lights before the onset of pain. Migraines can last from several hours to a few days and may include symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Runny nose or congestion
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells

Tension Headaches

As the most common type of headache, tension headaches typically cause a dull pain on both sides of the head or across the forehead, behind the eyes. These headaches may also cause discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Tension headaches usually last between 20 minutes to a few hours.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by severe pain around the eyes, often affecting only one eye. These headaches occur in groups or “clusters,” with multiple attacks happening daily for weeks, followed by long periods of remission. Cluster headaches are relatively rare and predominantly affect men. Symptoms may include:

• Watery eyes
• Congestion
• Red, flushed face
• Restlessness during attacks

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches result from sinus infections (sinusitis) and cause pain around the eyes, nose, forehead, cheeks, and upper teeth. These headaches are often accompanied by fever, congestion, and thick nasal discharge. It’s worth noting that true sinus headaches are relatively rare, and migraine or cluster headaches are frequently misdiagnosed as sinus headaches.

Triggers and Risk Factors for Headaches Behind the Eyes

Identifying triggers for headaches behind the eyes is crucial for prevention and management. Different types of headaches may have varying triggers:

Migraine Triggers

Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Lack of sleep
• Weather changes
• Stress
• Bright lights or loud noises
• Strong smells
• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, MSG)
• Skipping meals

Tension Headache Triggers

Tension headaches may be caused by:

• Stress
• Eyestrain
• Poor posture
• Neck or jaw muscle and joint problems
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Bright sunlight
• Certain odors

Cluster Headache Triggers

Cluster headaches are often triggered by:

• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Certain medications

Diagnosis and Assessment of Eye Socket Pain Headaches

Proper diagnosis of headaches causing pain behind the eyes is essential for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:

1. Medical history review
2. Physical examination
3. Neurological assessment
4. Imaging tests (if necessary)
5. Evaluation of symptoms and trigger patterns

How can you differentiate between various types of headaches behind the eyes. Keeping a headache diary can be invaluable in tracking symptoms, duration, and potential triggers. This information can help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Headaches Behind the Eyes

Treatment for headaches behind the eyes varies depending on the type and severity of the headache. Here are some common approaches:

Medication for Headache Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective for occasional headaches, including some migraines if taken early. Common options include:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen

For more severe or frequent headaches, prescription medications may be necessary:

• Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan) for migraines
• Beta-blockers or antidepressants for chronic migraine prevention
• Oxygen therapy or injected triptans for cluster headaches
• Antibiotics and decongestants for sinus headaches

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication, several home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate headaches behind the eyes:

• Applying ice packs or using caffeine for migraine relief
• Using heating pads or taking warm showers for tension headaches
• Practicing stress management techniques like yoga or deep breathing
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated and eating regular meals
• Using a vaporizer or inhaling steam to relieve sinus congestion

Prevention Strategies for Eye-Related Headaches

Preventing headaches behind the eyes often involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Practice good posture and ergonomics
• Take regular breaks from screen time to reduce eyestrain
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
• Avoid known triggers, such as certain foods or environmental factors
• Use sunglasses to protect against bright light

How can you create an effective headache prevention plan. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized strategy that addresses your specific triggers and lifestyle factors.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches Behind the Eyes

While many headaches can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

• Sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had before
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes
• Headache following a head injury
• Chronic or progressively worsening headaches
• Headaches that interfere with daily activities

When should you consult a specialist for headaches behind the eyes. If you’re experiencing frequent or severe headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it’s advisable to consult a neurologist or headache specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

Innovative Treatments and Future Directions in Headache Management

Research in headache management continues to evolve, offering new hope for those suffering from chronic headaches behind the eyes. Some promising developments include:

Neuromodulation Devices

These devices use electrical or magnetic stimulation to target specific nerves involved in headache pain. Examples include:

• Transcutaneous supraorbital neurostimulation (tSNS)
• Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS)
• Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS)

CGRP Antagonists

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists are a new class of drugs specifically designed for migraine prevention and treatment. These medications work by blocking the action of CGRP, a protein involved in pain transmission during migraines.

Biofeedback and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

These non-pharmacological approaches can help patients manage stress and pain perception, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic research may lead to more targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile, allowing for more effective and personalized headache management strategies.

How might future treatments revolutionize the management of headaches behind the eyes. As research progresses, we can expect more targeted and effective treatments with fewer side effects, potentially offering relief to those who have not responded well to current therapies.

Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Eye-Related Headaches

The role of lifestyle in managing headaches behind the eyes cannot be overstated. Let’s explore how various factors can influence the frequency and severity of these headaches:

Diet and Nutrition

What you eat and drink can significantly impact headache occurrence. Consider the following dietary factors:

• Hydration: Adequate water intake is crucial for preventing dehydration-induced headaches.
• Regular meals: Skipping meals can trigger headaches in some individuals.
• Caffeine: While it can provide relief for some, excessive caffeine consumption or withdrawal can trigger headaches.
• Alcohol: Particularly red wine, can be a common trigger for migraines and cluster headaches.
• Food additives: MSG, artificial sweeteners, and certain preservatives may trigger headaches in sensitive individuals.

Sleep Patterns

Both too little and too much sleep can contribute to headaches. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can help reduce the frequency of headaches behind the eyes.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and tension, potentially decreasing the frequency of headaches. However, sudden, intense exercise may trigger headaches in some people. Finding the right balance is key.

Stress Management

Chronic stress is a significant contributor to various types of headaches. Implementing effective stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce headache frequency and severity.

Environmental Factors

Be aware of environmental triggers that may contribute to headaches behind the eyes:

• Bright or flickering lights
• Loud noises
• Strong odors
• Changes in weather or barometric pressure
• High altitude

How can you create a headache-friendly environment. Consider using adjustable lighting, noise-canceling headphones, or air purifiers to minimize potential triggers in your surroundings.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Eye-Related Headaches

While conventional medical treatments are often effective, many individuals find relief through complementary and alternative therapies. Here are some options to consider:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and tension headaches.

Massage Therapy

Regular massages, particularly focusing on the neck, shoulders, and scalp, can help relieve tension and reduce the frequency of tension headaches.

Herbal Supplements

Certain herbs have been traditionally used to manage headaches:

• Feverfew: May help prevent migraines
• Butterbur: Potentially effective for migraine prevention
• Ginger: May help alleviate migraine symptoms

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplement regimen, as they can interact with medications or have side effects.

Essential Oils

Aromatherapy using essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus may provide relief for some individuals experiencing headaches behind the eyes.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Regular practice of mindfulness techniques and meditation can help reduce stress and may decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches.

How can you safely incorporate complementary therapies into your headache management plan. It’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to ensure they don’t interfere with your current treatment plan and are appropriate for your specific condition.

The Role of Technology in Headache Management

Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in the management and prevention of headaches behind the eyes. Here are some innovative approaches:

Headache Tracking Apps

Smartphone apps allow users to log headache occurrences, symptoms, potential triggers, and medication effectiveness. This data can provide valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers in managing headaches.

Wearable Devices

Some wearable devices can monitor physiological data such as sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and stress levels, which may help identify potential headache triggers or early warning signs.

Virtual Reality (VR) for Pain Management

VR technology is being explored as a non-pharmacological approach to pain management, including for headaches. Some studies suggest that VR experiences can help distract from pain and potentially reduce its intensity.

Telemedicine

Remote consultations with headache specialists have become increasingly accessible, allowing patients to receive expert advice and follow-up care without the need for in-person visits.

AI-Assisted Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed to assist in the diagnosis and classification of headaches, potentially leading to more accurate and timely treatment recommendations.

How can technology enhance your headache management strategy. Consider incorporating some of these tech-based solutions into your routine, but remember to discuss their use with your healthcare provider to ensure they complement your overall treatment plan.

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. 

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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. 

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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.

Pressing pain in the eyes: causes and treatment

Sometimes we experience a special kind of discomfort – it seems that either the head or the eyes hurt. This pain occurs in the sinus region or in the back of the eye. Sometimes it is pulsating, sometimes it is constant. This condition frightens us very much and we want to know what caused this pain? What can be done to ease it? Maybe something is wrong with the vision?

Let’s answer the last question first.

Scientists from the American Academy of Ophthalmology have defined “eye pain” as “physical discomfort caused by an eye or other disease.” But scientists emphasize at the same time that “the place of pain does not necessarily indicate the cause of pain.”

In most cases, the cause of a headache felt in the eyes may lie elsewhere. We feel pain here because of the network of interconnected sensory nerves that permeate every tissue in the body.

“Nearly all pain-sensing structures in the head transmit the sensation of pain to the eye,” says Dr. Mark W. Green, MD, professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “The fact that the eye hurts does not mean that the problem is in the eye itself. In fact, it happens quite rarely.”

Green advises to remember one useful rule: if the white part of the eye (sclera) is not reddened, and there are no complaints about vision – a fuzzy or distorted picture, it is very unlikely that the headache is associated with the eyes themselves.

Common causes of eye pain

Migraine

Migraine is the most common type of headache that robs us of the joy of life. This is a flushing-like headache that can last up to 72 hours and is often characterized by severe throbbing pain on one side of the head and behind the eyes. Pain can also be felt in the back of the head. Other classic migraine symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, smell, and sound.

“Migraine is derived from the term migraine, which means “pain in half of the head.” People with migraine have a very hard time, says Greene. “This is a severe pain, and it comes in different types, that is, there are several types of headache. People may feel differently, but they all have migraines.”

Headache may be preceded by visual disturbances – flashing lights or halos around light sources. However, most people with migraines do not have these symptoms.

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

There is also a genetic predisposition to migraine: 70% of patients report at least one close relative who also suffered from migraine.

Migraines caught early enough can be successfully treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, but there are several prescription medications that can be used both preventively and to reduce the number of attacks and reduce the pain symptom.

Chronic migraine and eye pain may require daily medication.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headache is a condition characterized by multiple and frequent attacks of headaches. These cluster periods can last weeks or months, followed by a period of remission when headaches do not occur for several months or years.

Cluster headache usually occurs quickly, sometimes the pain has precursors, pain can last up to three hours. Symptoms include excruciating pain (often a headache behind one eye) that radiates to other parts of the face, head, and neck; red and swollen eyes; and excessive tearing.

It is believed that cluster headaches may be caused by abnormalities in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls many important bodily functions). What can cause pain has not yet been identified, and there is no cure for cluster headaches in the eyes yet.

Treatment for cluster headaches aims to reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the period of cluster headaches, and prevent future attacks. Treatment options include oxygen therapy, triptan injections, and local anesthetics.

Sinus infections

The sinuses are the air-filled spaces of the skull. They are located behind the nose, forehead and cheeks, as well as behind the eyes. A sinus infection (sinusitis) is a common cause of pain, including headaches in the eyes.

Migraine is often mistaken for a sinus infection headache. Treatment for sinus headaches includes treating the underlying infection with prescription antibiotics and decongestants.

Ophthalmic diseases causing headache behind the eyes

Finally, there are a number of eye diseases and other problems that can cause eye pain. Among them:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, causing loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, difficulty adapting to darkness, and halos around light sources.

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

Sclerite

Scleritis is a severe inflammation of the sclera, or outer covering of the eyeball. It is most often caused by autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include headache behind the eye, red or pink eyes, tearing and blurred vision, and photosensitivity.

Optic neuritis

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

Graves’ disease or Graves’ disease

Basedow’s disease is an autoimmune disease associated with malfunctions in the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease affects the eyes, they become very bulging, redden, the eyelids retract, the patients have limited ability to move the eyes, the image is doubled, and sometimes there may be loss of vision. In some cases, Graves’ disease can also cause eye pain.

When to contact an ophthalmologist?

If you experience unusual pain behind your eyes, contact your optometrist immediately. If the white of your eye has changed color, or you are experiencing nausea or vision problems associated with a headache, these are signs and symptoms of an acute attack of glaucoma that can cause permanent vision loss.