A headache is always an unpleasant condition, regardless of its strength and duration. Many factors influence its appearance, and most often a person suffering from it knows that it is dependent on weather changes or overwork at work has affected. But what if, for unknown reasons, the left side of the face hurts? So that the pains for the feelings for your condition and the attempts of unsuccessful self-diagnosis do not join, you need to deal with the features of a one-sided headache.
Possible reasons
A headache of various localization can be either a disease in itself, or a consequence of another serious illness. To understand what caused the discomfort, you need to listen to your body and establish the nature of the pain. Indeed, for each pathology it is different.
Causes of pain in the left side of the head:
- Migraine. This is a neurological pathology, which is characterized by severe, exhausting pain on one side of the head. Localized on the left side, it covers the temple, forehead, the left side of the face and eyes hurts. In addition, the patient often complains of nausea and vomiting, "flies" before the eyes, sweating, intolerance to bright light and loud sounds.
- Cervical osteochondrosis. Cervical vertebrae compress blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, and this, in turn, can lead to headaches, high blood pressure and even stroke.
- Weather dependence. Cephalgia attacks are accompanied by tachycardia, nervousness, aggravation of chronic diseases.
- Dental problems. If the inflammatory process progresses (caries, pulpitis, other diseases are present), the patient may complain that the left side of the face and jaw are sore, it is difficult to turn and tilt the head, move the neck and even shoulders.
- Trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal nerves belong to the group of craniocerebral nerves and are responsible for the sensitivity of the face. In case of nerve damage on the left side, patients feel that the left side of the head and face is sore. The pain, as a rule, is pulsating, can be either constant or wave-like.
- Glaucoma. This eye disease can not only cause pain in the affected area, but also give it to the temple.
- Stroke or pre-stroke condition. In the event of a headache of unknown origin, especially in the elderly, it is recommended that the patient measure blood pressure. In case of high rates (the upper limit of the norm is considered to be pressure 140/90 mm Hg. Art.), You must immediately consult a doctor.
- A brain tumor. One of the most serious causes of unilateral headache can be a brain tumor. Such a diagnosis is characterized by a number of other symptoms: hearing and vision problems, loss of appetite, and deterioration in sleep quality. Without timely assistance, the patient's condition will constantly worsen, nausea, dizziness will join.
- Inflammation of the meninges. The disease begins with a daily progressing headache, gradually passing to the left eye, ear, left side of the neck, and eventually over the entire left side of the body.
- Vascular aneurysm of the head. This condition is characterized by protrusion of the artery wall, which can cause cerebral hemorrhage.
- Stress. Constant overstrain can cause a so-called nervous headache, which is regarded as a protective reaction of the human body.
- Alcohol abuse, smoking.
If the left side of the face hurts, the causes of this condition can be very serious and require medical attention. Therefore, do not self-medicate, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the different types of pain
Most often, all that a patient prone to headache attacks can say about his condition is the nature of the pain. It is precisely by how the left side of the head and face hurts that before the ambulance arrives, it is possible to determine the diagnosis and give yourself or your first aid first aid. What are the sensations?
The nature of pain in various pathologies:
- pulsating - may indicate migraine, hypertension (high blood pressure), vegetovascular dystonia;
- shooting - attacks of acute pain are found in many people and can be caused by both minor causes (stress, hypothermia), and such dangerous diseases as a stroke;
- pressing - may be the result of various diseases and conditions. Among them - migraine, head injuries, neoplasms in the brain, alcohol intoxication, vascular spasms, susceptibility to changes in atmospheric pressure, diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand why the left side of the face hurts. For an accurate diagnosis, you must consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of diseases
To make a diagnosis of complaints of pain in the left side of the head, a comprehensive examination will be prescribed to the patient to confirm or refute serious pathologies.
Diagnostic Methods:
- interrogation of the patient and history;
- blood pressure and pulse measurement;
- CT and MRI of the head;
- electromyography (study of the state of nerves and muscles) and electroneurography (study of the peripheral nervous system);
- blood tests, urine tests;
- Ultrasound of the brain;
- determination of intraocular pressure;
- consultations of related specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, otolaryngologist and others according to indications).
After diagnosis, the patient will be prescribed treatment, but before that, during an acute attack, you can try to help yourself.
First aid
Often correctly provided first aid not only facilitates the patient’s condition, but can also save his life.
Methods of first aid to a patient with a headache:
- take a lying position, relax;
- take an anesthetic tablet, carefully studying the instructions before taking;
- put a cold compress on your forehead;
- apply aromatic oils of lavender, citrus, pine to the points just above the temples (check the presence of allergies before use);
- traditional medicine recommends preparing a decoction of chamomile, hypericum, peppermint, calendula;
- apply a compress of warm dry salt;
- deep breathing will help to saturate the brain with oxygen and relieve pain;
- if there is a suspicion of a stroke, it is necessary to immobilize the patient and wait for the arrival of an ambulance.
Reason to see a doctor
A headache in itself is already an occasion to see a doctor. But there are symptoms that suggest that this should be done as quickly as possible.
Hazardous signs:
- constant aggravation of the condition;
- a sharp appearance of unilateral headaches after 50 years;
- very strong pain;
- headaches as a result of a head injury;
- serious concomitant problems with vision, hearing, psyche.
All of these symptoms can indicate a serious illness that should be treated immediately.
Treatment of unilateral cephalgia
Treatment of a condition in which the left side of the face hurts depends on the cause of the pain.
Treatments for unilateral headache:
- If the cause of cephalgia is inflammation in the mouth or ear, throat, nose, the pathologist is treated by the dentist and otolaryngologist, respectively.
- After an injury or with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, you will need massage, painkillers, exercise therapy.
- If the skin of the left side of the face hurts due to neuralgia, antihistamines, vasodilators, antispasmodics are prescribed. Physiotherapy is used, in some cases surgical intervention is indicated.
- To alleviate the condition of migraine, special means are used - triptans.
- If a tumor is suspected, examination and consultation of a neurosurgeon, oncologist, neurologist is prescribed.
- Sometimes, in order to cope with headaches, it is enough to consult a psychologist and avoid stressful situations.
Preventive measures
People familiar with headaches know that such a condition can make life intolerable. To minimize the likelihood of seizures, you must follow the tips below.
Prevention of headaches includes the following activities:
- walks in the open air;
- rejection of bad habits;
- proper nutrition;
- avoidance of stressful situations;
- moderate physical activity;
- healthy sleep for at least 7 hours;
- blood pressure control;
- increase immunity;
- correct posture;
- regular preventive visits to the doctor.
Forecasts of doctors
Most unilateral headaches, not complicated by serious illnesses, are easily controlled by painkillers, lifestyle changes.
If the pains regularly recur, intensify, change their character, it is important to consult a doctor to choose the optimal treatment regimen.
In cases of serious diseases, the prognosis is strictly individual and depends on the neglect of the disease, the body's defenses and the right treatment.