When your head hurts, you only want the pain to GO AWAY. See the head locations indicated for possible causes and treatments. If headaches persist, talk with a doctor.

Eye Area

Cluster Headache

Symptoms: frequently develops during sleep and also have tearing in the eye, nasal congestion, face flushed. May last for several hours.

Causes: alcoholic beverages, excessive smoking

Treatment: oxygen; ergotamine; sumatriptan, intranasal anesthetic

Eye Strain

Symptoms: bilateral pain in the front of the head

Causes: muscle imbalance, uncorrected vision, astigmatism

Treatment: corrected vision

Frontal Area

Fasting Headache

Symptoms: mild to moderately intense pain, diffused (not pulsing)

Causes: insufficient food or hydration

Treatment: eating (may take up to 72 hours for pain to subside)

One Side of Head

Migraine With or Without Aura

Symptoms with aura: warning signs such as visual disturbance or arm or leg numbness; after warning, severe pain

Symptoms without aura: no warning signs; severe, one-sided throbbing pain, may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cold hands, sensitivity to light and sound

Causes: may be hereditary, food-induced, hormonal, excessive hunger, change in altitude, weather, lights, excessive smoking, stress

Treatment: medication may be effective for migraines with aura; when pain begins, use ice packs, products with caffeine, ergotamine, prescribed medications or steroids; please see a doctor if you have migraines

Nasal Area

Sinus Headache

Symptoms: gnawing pain that often increases throughout the day

Causes: infection, nasal polyps or other blockage such as a deviated septum

Treatment: aspirin; acetaminophen; NSAIDs; antibiotics

General / All Over

Fever Headache

Symptoms: pain that accompanies fever

Causes: infection swelling of the blood vessels in the head

Treatment: aspirin; acetaminophen; NSAIDs; antibiotics

Hangover Headache

Symptoms: throbbing pain and nausea

Causes: alcohol (dilates and irritates blood vessels in the brain and surrounding tissue)

Treatment: liquids (including broth); fructose such as honey or tomato juice)

Hunger Headache

Symptoms: pain before mealtime

Causes: skipping or delayed meals, low blood sugar, muscle tension

Treatment: regular, nourishing meals with adequate protein and complex carbohydrates

Hypertension Headache

Symptoms: generalized or ‘hairband’ area pain that is most severe in the morning, diminishing during the day

Causes: severe hypertension

Treatment: managing blood pressure levels, such as with medication

Sources:

National Headache Foundation