What causes a headache behind the eyes? How can you get rid of it? Discover the different types of headaches that can cause pain behind the eyes and effective ways to find relief.

Types of Headaches That Cause Pain Behind the Eyes

Headaches behind the eyes can be caused by various types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches. Each type of headache has distinct symptoms and triggers.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are often accompanied by severe pain behind the eyes. Migraines can also cause sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, weakness, mood changes, and an “aura” before the headache begins. Migraines typically occur on one side of the head.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches can cause pain behind the eyes, as well as head tension, head tenderness, and forehead pressure. These headaches can occur once or become chronic, lasting for several months.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by extreme pain on one side of the head, and may also cause sweating, flushing, teary or red eyes, and nasal congestion or runny nose. Cluster headaches occur in cycles and are more common in men.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches can trigger pain in the eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead, and teeth, as they affect the areas where the sinuses are located. Sinus headaches often accompany allergy symptoms like congestion, nasal discharge, and fever.

Other Causes of Headaches Behind the Eyes

In addition to the main types of headaches, pain behind the eyes can also be caused by various other conditions, including:

• Eye strain
• Undiagnosed nearsightedness
• Scleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eye)
• Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
• Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid)
• Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)

Triggers and Risk Factors for Headaches Behind the Eyes

Headaches behind the eyes can be triggered or exacerbated by a variety of factors, including:

• Lack of sleep
• Hunger
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Strong smells
• Bright lights
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Illness or infection

People with underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or eye problems, as well as those with sinusitis and allergies, may also be at a higher risk of experiencing headaches behind the eyes.

Symptoms of Headaches Behind the Eyes

The specific symptoms of a headache behind the eyes can vary depending on the type of headache. Common symptoms include:

• Severe, throbbing pain behind one or both eyes
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness or fatigue
• Mood changes
• Aura (visual disturbances) before the headache starts
• Head and neck tension or tenderness
• Forehead pressure
• Sweating, flushing, or nasal congestion
• Fever (in the case of sinus headaches)

How to Get Rid of Headaches Behind the Eyes

The best way to get rid of a headache behind the eyes will depend on the underlying cause. Some general tips include:

1. Identify and avoid potential triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or bright lights.
2. Try over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Use cold compresses or ice packs on the forehead or temples.
4. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
6. Get regular exercise to reduce stress and tension.
7. Seek medical treatment if headaches are persistent or severe, as they may require prescription medications or other interventions.

When to See a Doctor for Headaches Behind the Eyes

If you experience frequent or severe headaches behind your eyes, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. You should seek medical attention if your headaches:

• Interfere with your daily activities
• Worsen over time or become chronic
• Are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as vision changes, fever, or neurological symptoms

Your doctor may perform a physical examination, ask about your medical history and lifestyle, and potentially order imaging tests or other diagnostic procedures to identify the cause of your headaches. With the right treatment, you can find relief and manage your headaches more effectively.

Headache Behind Eyes – Causes & How to Get Rid of It

Everyone experiences a headache occasionally, but having pain behind your eyes can disrupt your life. If you experience such condition often or every day, that frequency might indicate something more serious.

If your headaches have required you to change your routine, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your primary care physician will consider your situation and prescribe treatment based on your headache triggers, symptoms, and pain location.

What Is a Headache Behind the Eyes?

A headache behind your eyes can come with other symptoms. They can be a sign of a cluster headache, tension headache, or even sinus headaches that recur if you have allergies or sinus problems.

When you feel stressed or tense, headache symptoms can arise. Some may go away with an over-the-counter painkiller, but others, like migraines, may become too severe for you to continue working or enjoying time to yourself. Frequent issues like these can indicate a more serious condition, and so you should consult with your doctor.

What Causes a Headache Behind the Eyes?

A headache behind your eyes can have multiple causes, and it may take some trial and error before you understand what triggers it. To identify the source of your headache pain, you should first consider the type of pain you have.

• Migraine: A migraine headache usually comes with extreme pain behind your eyes. If you suffer from migraines, your triggers may look different than those of someone else who also gets migraines. For many people, migraines accompany stress or anxiety, hormone changes, poor posture or diet, medication, and even environmental stimuli. They often come with nausea, weakness, tension in the head, and mood changes.
• Tension headache: You might notice tension headaches after a long day of driving, looking at a screen, or anything that requires continuous, close focus. Many people notice these types of headaches on days with cold temperatures, and they can come with head or neck muscle contractions.
• Cluster headache: Cluster headaches occur in cycles, and men experience them more than women do. While they are common, doctors do not know what causes them, other than possible genetic factors. Many people who have them experience severe pain.
• Sinus headache: This type of headache appears most often during allergy seasons or at other times when you experience an allergy flare-up. Its symptoms mirror many of those that come with migraines and cluster headaches, which leads many people to mistake those types of headaches for sinus headaches.

Not all headaches fit neatly into a single category, and you may experience a headache behind your eye that results from:

• Eye strain
• Undiagnosed nearsightedness
• Scleritis
• Optic neuritis
• Graves’ disease
• Glaucoma

You might also have pain behind your eyes triggered by:

• Lack of sleep
• Hunger
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Strong smells
• Bright lights
• Stress
• Hormones
• Illness or infection

What Are the Symptoms of Headaches Behind the Eyes?

The symptoms that accompany headaches behind your eyes vary with the kind of headache you experience. Likewise, while you may have a migraine or tension headache, your symptoms will vary.

Similar types of pain often occur with several different kinds of headaches, which makes it challenging for doctors to diagnose them without information about your lifestyle. To identify which headaches you experience, look for specific symptoms associated with each one.

Migraines go beyond the pain in your head and may come with sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, weakness, mood changes, and even an aura before the headache begins. These headaches usually occur only on one side of the head.

Tension headaches can happen once or for several months, at which point your doctor will diagnose them as chronic headaches. Aside from pain behind your eyes, you may experience head tension, head tenderness, and forehead pressure.

Cluster headaches, like migraines, occur on one side of the head and create extreme pain. You might also feel sweaty or flushed, have teary or red eyes, and feel congested or have a runny nostril.

Sinus headaches can trigger pain anywhere your sinuses reach, including your eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead, and teeth. These headaches often accompany allergy symptoms like congestion, nasal discharge, and even fever. With sinus pain, you may notice the pain worsening over the course of the day.

What Are the Risk Factors of a Headache Behind the Eyes?

Headache pain often accompanies other factors, whether you have an underlying condition or have lifestyle factors you might change to minimize pain. Thyroid and eye problems like glaucoma can increase your risk of pain behind your eyes.

You may also experience more headaches when you have sinusitis and allergies since they affect the area around your eyes. If you work in an office, you may also experience more headaches from looking at computer screens.

Avoiding treatment for a headache can lead to its worsening or even becoming chronic. Frequent headaches can also signal an untreated autoimmune disorder like scleritis.

How Do You Prevent Headaches Behind the Eyes?

Preventing headache pain means staying aware of your triggers. If you have a chronic or autoimmune disease, get treatment for it to reduce the number of pain days you have. If you have pain behind your eyes due to lifestyle factors, make some changes like:

• Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods
• Quit smoking
• Exercise
• Take time to destress
• Take regular breaks from your computer, phone, and other screens
• Avoid known headache triggers

If you have many different types of headaches—for example, you experience both cluster headaches and tension headaches—you may need to experiment to find out what practices help you.

How Do You Diagnose the Type of Headache?

If you often experience pain behind your eyes, you should seek medical advice from your doctor. There are no specific tests to determine which kind of headache you have. Instead, your doctor will diagnose you based on the pain’s placement, severity, and possible causes. They may also run tests to check for underlying conditions.

To diagnose your headaches, your doctor will look for a pattern. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and try to match them with migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, or sinus headaches. They will also conduct a physical exam to check your vision, coordination, senses, and reflexes.

If your primary care doctor does not feel they can offer a precise diagnosis, they may refer you to a neurologist.

How Do You Treat Headaches Behind the Eyes?

Not every headache behind your eye requires a visit to the doctor. You can often treat them at home with these remedies:

• Ice packs
• Change in your diet
• Exercise
• Reducing or eliminating alcohol and smoking
• Over-the-counter pain medication for mild or moderate pain

If you have severe pain, you should seek medical advice immediately. Your doctor may prescribe treatment like antibiotics for sinusitis or prescription medication for migraines.

Conclusion

Pain behind your eyes can come with many symptoms. Most go away with painkillers or rest, but some people require further treatment.

While diagnosing the cause of a headache can present a challenge, you should contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe or chronic pain.

Headache behind the eyes: Causes, treatments, and remedies

A headache behind the eyes may result from various issues, ranging from eye strain to migraine. Over-the-counter medications and home remedies can often help, but some people may need to see a doctor.

Pain behind the eyes can affect one or both sides, and it may occur with light sensitivity and other types of discomfort. A doctor can identify the cause of a headache behind the eyes and recommend the best course of treatment.

Keep reading for more information about the causes of headaches behind the eyes and how to treat them.

Migraine is a common condition, affecting almost 16% of adults in the United States.

A migraine headache can cause extreme pain on one side of the head, sometimes behind one eye. This pain can last for up to 72 hours.

In addition to a migraine headache, a person may experience:

• dizziness
• weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light and sound
• mood changes
• visual disturbances, known as aura

Causes

Doctors are unsure what precisely causes migraine. However, changes to nerve signaling and blood vessels in the eye may play an important role in its development.

Outside triggers are often the catalyst for migraine attacks. Common migraine triggers include:

• lack of sleep
• hormonal changes
• environmental factors, such as strong smells, smoke, or flickering lights
• dehydration
• consuming too much caffeine or alcohol
• strong emotions, such as stress or anxiety

Learn more about how long migraine can last and other associated symptoms here.

Computer eye strain, also known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is an umbrella term that includes several vision-related conditions. People will often experience discomfort in their eyes due to looking at electronic screens for prolonged periods.

Alongside discomfort in one or both eyes, a person that spends large, uninterrupted periods looking at screens or digital devices may experience any of the following symptoms:

• dry eyes
• headaches
• neck and shoulder pain
• blurry vision

A person may only experience discomfort behind their eyes after looking at digital screens for long stretches, and symptoms may improve once they stop doing so. However, the prevalence of these computer-related symptoms is growing rapidly, and if a person experiences continued symptoms, they might require medical assistance.

Causes

Focusing and refocusing on a screen for long periods can cause eye strain, which can also result from problems with vision.

A person will typically experience eye strain after focusing on a single object or task for a prolonged period. Dimly lit environments and tiredness can also cause eye strain.

Learn more about computer vision syndrome here.

Sinusitis is inflammation or congestion of the sinuses. This can create pressure, causing pain behind the eyes. Depending on the location of the inflammation, sinusitis may cause pain behind both or either eye.

Sinusitis can also cause pain and pressure in other parts of the face, such as the forehead and cheeks.

Other common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• nasal congestion
• fatigue
• pain that worsens when the person is lying down
• aching in the upper teeth

Sinusitis is a common condition, and pain will typically clear up when the overall congestion does. This will typically take 2–3 weeks.

Causes

Sinusitis is often the result of allergies or a virus trapped in the sinuses because of congestion. This can result in face pressure and headaches. Sinusitis may also have bacterial or fungal causes, although these are often associated with immune deficiencies, such as HIV.

Nasal polyps and dental surgery can also cause sinus pain and pressure.

Learn more about chronic sinusitis here.

When a person experiences one to eight short, painful headaches over a day, they have likely had a cluster headache.

These headaches are painful and occur on one side of the head. This may result in sharp or dull throbbing pain behind only one eye.

Often, additional symptoms develop on the same side as the headache. These symptoms can include:

• a stuffy or runny nostril
• flushing
• sweating

The time at which a person experiences cluster headaches will vary. However, it is common for people to experience them at night.

Causes

Doctors are unsure of the cause of cluster headaches, and there has not been extensive research, though these headaches are not uncommon.

Researchers generally believe that more males experience cluster headaches than females. There may also be a genetic component, and some people may have a higher risk than others.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and they are more common in females than males.

Some people experience tension headaches one to two times per month, while others experience them more often. If this continues for 3 months or longer, doctors classify these headaches as chronic.

Tension headaches usually cause pain behind both eyes and a feeling of pressure around the forehead. They can occur at any time and can last from 30 minutes to several hours. In severe cases, a person may experience symptoms of a tension headache for several days.

Also, a tension headache may cause tenderness in the scalp. The pain of a tension headache may be dull, occur in the forehead, and extend to the neck.

Causes

Tension headaches develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• lack of sleep
• stress
• staring at a screen for a long time
• driving long distances
• muscle contractions in the neck or head

Learn how a cervicogenic headache differs from a tension headache.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can often relieve mild or moderate headaches, but prescription medication may be necessary when the pain is severe.

A doctor may prescribe antidepressants, antiseizure medications, or oral birth control pills as preventive measures for people who experience frequent migraine headaches. A person may find relief from a migraine episode by resting in a darkened room. Placing a cool, damp towel over the eyes may help, as well.

Muscle relaxants are a short-term option for the management of tension headaches.

If a person has headaches caused by bacterial sinusitis, a doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. However, nasal decongestant sprays are a good option if sinusitis is due to an allergy or viral infection.

People can often relieve eye strain due to long-term computer or other screen use by following the 20-20-20 rule.

Addressing the underlying causes of headaches behind the eyes can help a person manage them at home.

Avoiding the following triggers may help you to prevent the onset of migraine:

• loud noises
• strong odors
• alcohol
• hunger
• stress
• fatigue
• bright lights
• lack of sleep

If you experience discomfort behind the eyes as a result of tension headaches, the following tips may be helpful:

• avoid muscle strains in the head and neck
• manage your stress levels
• get a good amount of sleep each night
• avoid excessive screen time

In cases where sinusitis is the cause of headaches behind the eyes, trying the following things might help:

• limiting or avoiding caffeine
• avoiding alcohol
• stopping using tobacco products
• exercising regularly
• avoiding processed foods

Learn more about how to treat nasal congestion here.

If a person experiences headaches behind the eyes frequently, they should see a doctor. The doctor may recommend an eye examination and prescribe treatments that are not available OTC.

Making lifestyle adjustments may also prevent the pain from recurring.

Headaches behind the eyes can be painful and occur with other symptoms. They can stem from various health issues, and identifying the cause is the first step toward treatment.

It may also help to avoid specific triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products, and make other lifestyle adjustments.

A doctor can identify the underlying cause and provide additional support, including medication.

Vertebrogenic headache | CMRC Symptom Handbook

Not all people have a headache that makes them go to the doctor to find out the cause. Vertebrogenic headache refers to those types of pain that are caused by pathological processes in the body and require treatment of the root cause – osteochondrosis.

What causes vertebrogenic headache?

Vertebrogenic headache has a neuralgic nature. It appears due to false impulses that occur in the nerve fibers of the cervical spine, or due to a violation of the head blood supply due to clamping of the vertebral arteries by intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis occurs due to the erasure of the intervertebral discs, which contributes to the excessive load on the spine. They shift, decrease in size (become flat), as a result of which the nerve fibers that run along the spine experience excessive pressure, and also become more receptive.

Displaced discs compress blood vessels, especially the vertebral arteries, the two largest vessels that run along the spinal column and are responsible for nourishing the brain.

So vertebrogenic headache occurs due to two main reasons:

• insufficient blood supply to the brain;
• pinched nerve roots.

Sedentary work, improper diet, lack of physical activity, exposure to tobacco smoke and chemical toxic substances, spinal injuries and poor environmental conditions contribute to the development of such conditions.

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• clinic call +7 (495) 103-99-55,
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Headache – it would seem that a symptom that occurs periodically in all people.

IMPORTANT! However, vertebrogenic headache is a more serious sign that indicates the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

In this case, the patient experiences many other unpleasant symptoms, ranging from burning in various parts of the head to tinnitus and blackouts in the eyes. It is impossible to ignore vertebrogenic headache – if treatment is not started on time, complications in the form of intensive development of osteochondrosis will not keep you waiting. Sign up for a consultation with an experienced neurologist of our center to eliminate vertebrogenic headache!

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Vertebrogenic headache symptoms

Symptoms of vertebrogenic headache depend on its cause.

If the head hurts due to lack of oxygen in the brain, ie. squeezing of blood vessels, the following complaints may appear:

blackout in the eyes.

IMPORTANT! These symptoms are combined into a syndrome of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, or impaired cerebral blood supply.

In some cases, a person notes insomnia, tearing and redness of the skin of the face.

When squeezing the structures of the nervous tissue, the patient complains of:

• acute intense unilateral pain;
• less often – a violation of swallowing and difficulty speaking.

IMPORTANT! If the pain is caused by a lack of blood supply, it will increase with loud sounds and bright lights, with compression of the nerve roots – during physical exertion.

Symptoms are more pronounced if osteochondrosis is accompanied by hypertension or increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis of vertebrogenic headache

If you suspect a vertebrogenic headache, you can immediately contact a neurologist. You can also make an appointment with a therapist who will write a referral to a specialist.

In addition to taking anamnesis and physical examination, the doctor will need data from other studies.

1. X-ray of the cervical spine.
2. MRI of the cervical spine.
3. Angiography of cerebral vessels.
4. Dopplerography.

After a detailed diagnosis, a final diagnosis is made and a treatment is selected.

Treatment of vertebrogenic headache

The main feature of the treatment is an integrated approach. Therapeutic measures are aimed not only at alleviating the condition, but also at preventing repeated attacks, as well as normalizing the blood supply to the brain and the functioning of nerve cells.

To stop the symptom, medications are prescribed that have pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects. Usually, muscle relaxants (drugs for muscle spasms), angioprotectors (drugs that strengthen and protect the walls of blood vessels), vasodilators, and B vitamins are used. In more complex cases, hormone therapy is prescribed.

ATTENTION! With a pronounced pain symptom, novocaine blockade is required – the introduction of novocaine (an effective anesthetic) into muscle tissue.

In addition to drug therapy, manual therapy is mandatory, which plays a key role in the treatment of vertebrogenic headache and osteochondrosis. It is often accompanied by a massage.

Mechanical action on muscles, joints and cartilage promotes:

• removal of toxins, toxins, decay products, excess salts from tissues;
• increased lymph flow;
• improve the movement of blood through the vessels;
• relieve muscle spasms;
• repositioning of the spine.

A course of massages and manual therapy is required to achieve a stable long-term result.

Making an appointment

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• clinic call +7 (495) 103-99-55,
• order a callback,
• leave an application for an appointment, through a convenient form on the website:

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Rehabilitation and lifestyle after treatment

It is necessary to regularly eat fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, engage in physical therapy, avoid hypothermia, being in a draft or under air conditioning, sudden movements.

People with a sedentary job should take 5 minutes for a small “physical break” every hour, walk for at least an hour every day.

Also, people with dystrophic changes in the spine need to go to a massage therapist and a chiropractor for prevention once every 1-2 months.

Are headache and cervical osteochondrosis related?

Headache is directly related to cervical osteochondrosis, since the brain has the only source of nutrition – the vertebral arteries. The displacement of the discs in the cervical spine blocks the movement of blood through them, resulting in oxygen starvation of the brain and its consequence – a headache.

The mechanism of development of vertebrogenic headache

One can imagine the spine as a kind of tunnel along which nerves and vertebral arteries pass. With the development of cervical osteochondrosis, the vertebrae begin to shift, so the nerves and blood vessels are pinched, squeezed, shifted, which makes it impossible for nerve impulses to move through one and blood through the other. The tunnel becomes not straight, but winding.

IMPORTANT! At this stage, periodic dizziness appears.

First, adipose tissue and fiber provide proper protection, so the artery adapts to the changed shape of the spine. When the protective buffer becomes insufficient, Frank’s nerve is irritated, and a reflex spasm of the vessel walls occurs.

Vasoconstriction leads to insufficient blood flow to the brain, which, in turn, manifests itself in the form of drowsiness, fatigue, decreased performance and headache.

Vertebrogenic pain cannot be stopped with analgesics, because the problem lies much deeper. If this diagnosis is suspected, it is urgent to contact a chiropractor in order to prevent the progression of cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences – vertebral artery syndrome.

References:

1. Mansur T.I., Mansur N.S., Kuznetsov V.I., Rusanova E.I., Alekseev G.I., Shastun S.A., Chibisov S.M. VERTEBROGENIC HEADACHE IN YOUNG PERSONS // Modern problems of science and education. – 2013. – No. 3
2. Loginov, V. G. L69 Headaches: textbook-method. allowance / V. G. Loginov, A. G. Bayda, L. I. Yasinskaya. – Minsk: BSMU, 2017
3. Voznesenskaya, TG The second edition of the International Classification of Headache (2003) / TG ​​Voznesenskaya // Nevrol. magazine. 2004. Vol. 9, No. 1
4. Diseases of the nervous system: A guide for physicians: In 2 volumes – Vol. 1 / Ed. N.N. Yakhno, D.R. Shtulman. – 3rd ed., revised. and additional – M.: Medicine, 2003

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Headache – a painful, unpleasant sensation in the area from the level of the orbits to the suboccipital region, one of the most frequent and universal complaints. Its presence often reflects not so much trouble in the head itself, but in the body as a whole.

Headaches are either primary or secondary.

Primary headaches which are effectively treated in the sanatorium “Koncha-Zaspa”, are characterized by the fact that even the most thorough examination does not reveal any organic causes.

Secondary (symptomatic) occur as a result of various diseases of internal organs, injuries, metabolic disorders, poisoning, taking certain medications.

It should be remembered that the substance of the brain does not have pain sensitivity. Pain sensations occur when the receptors of the dura mater, arteries, veins, muscles, and skin are irritated.

Only 5% of cases can be caused by serious organic diseases. But it is to their identification that priority attention should be paid.

Diseases that are accompanied by headache:

Sudden, severe, diffuse headache is characteristic of cerebral hemorrhage. It is accompanied by vomiting and sometimes loss of consciousness. Paralysis of the limbs may also occur.

• Vascular diseases of the brain is one of the most common causes.
• Hypertension. Pain usually occurs in the occiput and often occurs in the early morning. There is usually no clear relationship between the appearance of a headache and the degree of pressure increase. It usually occurs with a rapid rise in pressure.
• Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis). Constant headache. In the temporal and frontal region in older patients, it occurs against the background of general weakness, constantly elevated temperature, and weight loss. The pain often worsens at night, especially if the patient touches the painful area by rubbing his head on the pillow.
• Increased intracranial pressure. Headache may be an early sign of a tumor and abscess of the brain, intracranial hematoma and other space-occupying formations, as well as dropsy of the brain. The pain is often diffuse, but at first it may occur in the area of ​​​​the location of the tumor or other formation. Headache occurs intermittently, but then becomes constant. It may depend on the position of the body. Accompanied by vomiting. It is aggravated by coughing, sneezing, tilting the head. Wakes up in the middle of the night.
• Decreased intracranial pressure. Less common. The reason is the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (intracranial fluid) through defects in the tissues of the head. Headache worsens when standing up and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus.
• Orgasmic (coital). Temporarily sudden onset throbbing headache in men during intercourse. It usually lasts a few minutes, but if it first occurred during intercourse, it persists for several hours, it is necessary to exclude cerebral hemorrhage.
• Compression of the nerves of the cervical spine. Inflammation or osteochondrosis of the spine. Occurs in the cervical-occipital region, can spread to the forehead, temple, shoulder, arm. May appear on one or both sides. The side of the pain usually does not change. It intensifies when moving the head, staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time, when touching the neck, the back of the head.
• Inflammation of the airways of the skull (sinusitis). Sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis. Pain in the forehead, around the eyes. Accompanied by fever, nasal congestion, redness of the skin and pain when tapped in the area of ​​the affected sinus. There is almost always purulent discharge from the nose. The pain is aggravated in the supine position, after sleep, decreases when standing.
• Inflammation of the joint of the lower jaw. Pain occurs near the ear, in the muscles when chewing, yawning, opening the mouth wide or closing it.
• Acute increase in intraocular pressure. Acute angle-closure glaucoma. The pain is throbbing, in the eye, in the orbit, with redness of the eye, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting.
• Irritation of cold receptors in the throat. When hypothermia of the head or swallowing cold food, there is a short-term severe pain near the eyes, in the nose, in the throat.
• Pain after a head injury. Can be stored for several months, several years. Accompanied by a decrease in memory, attention, mental disorders, dizziness, nausea, increased fatigue, sleep disturbance. The pain is diffuse, dull, aggravated by physical exertion.
• Infectious diseases. Pain occurs with any infection. accompanied by an increase in temperature. There may also be pain in the muscles, joints, general weakness.
• Poisoning, metabolic disorders. Constant dull pain with nausea, increased sweating, diarrhoea, muscle pain.
• Headache on medication. When taking vasodilators, hormones, antibiotics. Headache rebounds with an overdose of painkillers. Reduction of headache after drug withdrawal is the main symptom of drug headache.
• Primary headaches – Tension headache and migraine. cluster headache. Indomethacin sensitive headache.

Tension headache is the most common variant, affecting more than 50-80% of the population. More often in women. The pain is mild or moderate, lasts from several tens of minutes to several days, does not increase with physical activity. The pain is bilateral, in the back of the head, in the forehead, pressing, squeezing, without vomiting. It is difficult for patients to describe their feelings. Often – not pain, but a feeling of heaviness or pressure of a helmet, a hoop on the head.

Migraine – occurs during adolescence. Paroxysmal. Unilateral or bilateral headache in the frontal, temporal region, in the orbit. The pain is intense, throbbing, with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, desire for rest and isolation.

Cluster headache – occurs at a later age (30-50 years). It is characterized by a cluster occurrence of a pain cycle – 1-3 attacks per day, lasting 40-90 minutes, for 6-8 weeks. Then the attacks resume after 4-6 months, with a certain cyclicity, seasonality. The pain is strictly unilateral, periorbital, extremely intense (“suicidal”). Accompanied by redness of the eyes, nose, lacrimation. The patient is constantly moving, cannot find a place for himself.

Indomethacin-sensitive headache is a form of primary headache that responds positively to indomethacin. The pain is usually short-lived, recurring for several hours a day. It can be unilateral or bilateral, spontaneous or provoked by straining. Some patients may not respond to indomethacin, and other drugs may have a positive effect, so the allocation of this group of headaches is very conditional.

Diagnosis of the type of headache is carried out by pupillometry. An indirect sign of a headache is the reaction of the pupils of the eyes. Pupils can expand, narrow, have a different diameter. The subjects are asked to perform a series of test exercises and movements, during which pupilometry is performed (video recording of the reaction of the pupils with high-precision video cameras). The obtained data on the reaction of the pupils are analyzed by a special computer program that determines the type and nature of the headache. This provides an opportunity to individually prescribe the necessary and effective treatment.

TREATMENT

1. Diet food. Fatty, fried, spicy, salty foods, wine, chocolate are excluded from the diet.
2. Work and rest regimen – normalization of sleep leads to the disappearance of some types of headaches. The minimum period at which sleep normalizes without drugs is 12-18 days. That is why the recommended period of stay in the sanatorium is 12-24 days.
3. Drug treatment of headache attacks is selected individually in each situation. It is important to note that the use of drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate headache is generally not recommended. The necessity of stopping intense pain with medications has been proven. The use of tablets for mild to moderate head pain closes a vicious circle, leading to a chronic headache.
4. Balneotherapy is the most natural and familiar way for our body to treat head pain. Since it is water procedures that make it possible to simultaneously influence various organs and systems, and the body as a whole. Modern methods of using therapeutic methods – showers, baths, swimming pools – make it possible to accurately and directly influence biologically active zones. And the combination of hydro-laser therapy enhances the analgesic effect.
5. The recent use of electro-photo-therapy for the treatment of headaches in the attack and interictal periods opens up new opportunities for the complete rejection of medications and chemotherapy. A huge advantage is in the speed of action and the duration of the effect. So, for example, the use of electro-Lymphovision as a single procedure allows you to achieve complete disappearance of head pain for up to one month! A full course of treatment – for one year or more.
6. Kinesiotherapy is the most progressive and effective method of treatment that allows you to get rid of a headache in the shortest possible time.