What causes pain in the eyebrow and eye socket? What are the treatments for this type of pain? Learn about the 8 possible causes and how to get relief.

The Causes of Eyebrow and Eye Socket Pain

Eyebrow pain or tension can be due to various causes, including headaches, infections, or conditions affecting the nerves in the face. In this article, we’ll explore eight possible causes of eyebrow pain and the treatment options for each.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sharp, intense pain in areas of the face. The trigeminal nerve connects the brain to the face, allowing a person to sense touch and changes in temperature. Trigeminal neuralgia usually affects just one side of the face, but in rare cases, it can affect both sides. Some people with this condition may experience a stabbing pain or pain that feels like an electric shock, while others may have a constant aching or burning sensation in the face.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when excess fluid builds up in the front of the eye and damages the optic nerve. It can cause severe pain around the eyebrow and eye. Other symptoms of glaucoma include blind spots in the vision, blurred vision, headaches, nausea or vomiting, and seeing rainbows or halos. It is vital to receive treatment for glaucoma, as without treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss.

Migraine

Migraine can cause pain around the eyebrows, eyes, and temples. A migraine episode can last from 4 hours up to several days. Symptoms of a migraine episode can include intense head pain, a throbbing sensation, nausea and vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and pain that increases when a person moves.

Cluster Headache

A cluster headache is a severe headache that can reoccur between one and eight times a day and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours each time. People may experience a stabbing pain, often either behind the eyebrow or eye or around the temples. This pain and other symptoms usually affect one side of the head. Symptoms of a cluster headache include red, teary eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, a flushed or sweating face, a drooping eyelid, one smaller pupil, restlessness, and being unable to lie still.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and they can last from anywhere between 30 minutes and 7 days. Pain may spread to the eye, eyebrow, and temple. Symptoms of a tension headache include mild-to-moderate pain on both sides of the head, increased sensitivity to either light or sound, and tenderness in the neck muscles.

Shingles

Shingles is a condition that affects the nerves and can occur in localized areas, usually on one side of the body, including the face and neck. The symptoms of shingles include a very painful rash, fluid-filled blisters, shooting pain, tingling or numb sensation, burning, itchiness, fever and chills, nausea, headaches, and loss of vision. People should see their doctor immediately if they have blisters on their face, especially if they are close to the eyes.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal cavities. It can create a lot of pressure in the face, and people may feel pain around the eyebrows, nose, forehead, and cheeks. Symptoms of sinusitis include a blocked or stuffy nose, a cough, thick, yellow, or green mucus from the nose, and mucus that drips down the back of the throat. Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic.

Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis, or temporal arteritis, is a condition affecting the blood vessels along the side of the head. Inflammation of these blood vessels can cause pain in the face and other symptoms around the head and neck, such as pain in the jaw, double vision or temporary loss of vision, a fever, tenderness on the scalp, tenderness around the temples, severe headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing or a sore throat. People over the age of 50 years, particularly Caucasian women, are more likely to develop giant cell arteritis.

Treatment Options for Eyebrow Pain

The treatment for eyebrow pain depends on the underlying cause:

• Headaches and migraine episodes: Taking pain relievers, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest and sleep can help.
• Severe or frequent migraine episodes: A doctor can prescribe medications for pain and other symptoms.
• Cluster headaches: A doctor may recommend medications or an oxygen mask to prevent a cluster attack.
• Shingles: Rest, a cool compress, and calamine lotion may help soothe symptoms until the infection passes. Adults over the age of 50 years can get a shingles vaccine.
• Glaucoma: Taking daily eye drop medication can help prevent vision loss.
• Sinusitis: People can treat acute sinusitis with over-the-counter medications, but chronic sinusitis may require prescription treatments.
• Giant cell arteritis: Prompt treatment with corticosteroids is important to prevent vision loss and other complications.

Conclusion

Eyebrow pain or tension can have a variety of underlying causes, from headaches and infections to nerve conditions and vascular disorders. It’s important to seek medical attention to determine the root cause and get appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain and prevent any potentially serious complications. With the right diagnosis and management, most people can find relief from eyebrow and eye socket pain.