A headache on the left side of the head can be caused by a variety of conditions, including migraine, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and medication overuse headaches. Migraines are the most common cause of a headache on the left side and are more common in women than men. Symptoms of a migraine can include intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and blurred vision. Cluster headaches are less common than migraines but can cause severe pain behind one eye.
Tension headaches are more common than migraines and tend to affect women more often than men. They can also cause a headache on the left side, but most often they involve the entire head and behind the eyes. Medication overuse headaches can occur if you take painkillers for more than 10 to 15 days a month. If you experience frequent or severe headaches on one side of your head, it is important to seek medical help.
A headache specialist can help determine the cause and provide treatment. Treatment for headaches on the left side may include lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and drinking less alcohol, as well as over-the-counter or prescription medications. It is important to note that if your headache began after a blow to the head or feels like the worst headache in history, you should seek immediate medical help.
