Headache or headache (medical term) is perhaps one of the most common symptoms that accompanies many diseases. Common colds, various types of viral diseases, infections of any organ and even hypertension, can be accompanied by a headache. However, in some circumstances, the location of the headache (if the pain is confined to a single area) may be indicative of the cause. This is the case of frontal headaches : headaches that involve only the forehead, respecting the rest of the skull. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain what are the causes and treatment of a headache on the forehead.
Table of Contents
Causes of headache on the forehead
Basically, there are four causes that can cause a headache in the forehead. We mention them below and explain each one of them, as well as their treatment, in detail in the following sections:
- Frontal sinusitis
- Migraine
- Tension headache
- Tired sight
Headache in the forehead and eyes from frontal sinusitis
The paranasal sinuses are cavities that we have in the bones of the skull, they have the function of heating and filtering the air we breathe and play important functions in modulating the voice. Two of these sinuses are the frontal sinuses, located on the forehead, just above the nose, and above each eye. The sinusitis occurs when an infection (usually bacterial) commits one or more of these breasts. An inflammatory process of the paranasal sinus occurs , which fills with pus and alters all the processes in which it participates (breathing, voice, etc.).
Frontal sinus involvement is the leading cause of forehead headaches. It is characteristic that the person has a sensation of “weight” and pain throughout the forehead , even affecting vision. In addition, it makes it impossible for you to bend down, as this position mobilizes the secretions within the breasts (pus) increasing pain.
In the following article, you can learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of sinusitis
Headache in the forehead right or left side due to migraine
Migraine is a chronic condition that has episodic manifestations. It is more common in women and, in general, has a trigger: some foods (especially coffee and chocolate), alcohol consumption, lack of sleep and stress, among others. In addition, there is a history of other members of the upline family with same problem.
Migraine has the characteristic of occupying only one side of the head , but it can be exclusively located on the forehead. It causes a sensation of “heartbeat” in the affected region and is also accompanied by visual impairment (the light bothers and increases the headache), hearing impairment (noise also increases it) and there may be nausea and vomiting.
In this case (affecting only the forehead), it can also be associated with what is called ” retinal or ocular migraine “ , in which there is a temporary loss of vision through one of the two eyes, or part of the ocular field.
Characteristically, the migraine lasts about 72 hours and is extremely disabling.
Tension headache
The third cause of a forehead headache is called a tension headache , a type of stress headache . This stress translates into contraction of the muscles of the neck, upper back, and skull muscles.
Although it is more frequently a headache that is located at the level of the back of the head and neck, on many occasions, it can start as a frontal headache. The characteristic of this type of headache is that it is accompanied by stiffness and pain in the neck, neck, shoulders and also the easily identifiable stressor coexists.
Headache in the forehead from eyestrain
Eyestrain or eye strain is the fourth leading cause of forehead headaches. The first cause of eye strain are refractive errors of the eye : myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Even a headache localized to the forehead may be the first manifestation of these defects, of which the person may not have been aware.
Hyperopia causes the muscles of the eye to work excessively to achieve accommodation and allow vision. This often results in what people refer to as “eyestrain,” and that sustained strain on the eye muscles is often reflected as a frontal headache.
A related rare cause is glaucoma . Glaucoma is defined as the increase in intraocular pressure or hypertension of the eye. In this case, in addition to the headache, the person may have associated blurred vision or temporary loss of vision from the affected eye, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of headache on the forehead
Of course, treating a frontal headache is treating the cause that triggered it.
Treatment of frontal sinusitis
Sinusitis requires the administration of antibio Ticos age – appropriate and likely causative organism.
In addition, antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers are given to speed up the healing process and lessen symptoms.
Treatment of migraine
In the case of migraine, the most important thing is prevention. The person who suffers from migraine already knows what triggers the attacks and must avoid exposure to these triggers by any means.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers help, but they do not completely relieve pain. Depending on the type of migraine, the doctor will see the need to indicate beta-blockers (which are cardiac drugs), antiepileptic drugs and even antidepressants in order to achieve control of the seizures.
Tension headache treatment
Tension headaches improve rapidly with the administration of anti-inflammatory analgesics alone . However, the cause has not been corrected. Sometimes, it is necessary to indicate muscle relaxants and B complex, and depending on the patient’s ability to handle stress, it may be necessary to indicate antidepressants, which will help to relax the person and, with this relaxation, the pain subsides.
Treatment of visual disturbances
If the causal factor was a refractive error, the placement of appropriate corrective lenses will definitively solve the problem.
Glaucoma constitutes a true ophthalmological emergency, since definitive damage to the optic nerve can occur, so in this case an ophthalmologist’s assessment is mandatory. This will determine the type of antiglaucoma to indicate.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Headache on the forehead: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Brain and nerves category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.