What the Location of Your Headaches Tells You: A Guide to Headaches and Eyes
Headaches are among the most common disorders of the nervous system in our body. Just about everyone has experienced their head hurting at least once in their life. But did you know that headaches and eyes are often intertwined? This is because most headaches you experience occur in the regions behind the eyes. If you feel pain in these regions, it might be a specific type of headache that requires certain treatment.
Types of Headaches Behind Your Eyes
Often, when one’s head hurts, they just refer to the condition as a general headache. If you have an idea where your head specifically hurts, this can aid in identifying the headache type and potential treatments. Below are a few of the different types of headaches that you might have.
1. Tension Headaches
If you feel pain around your scalp, this might indicate that you have a tension headache. Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headaches. They can feel like there’s a tight band around your head. This discomfort and sensitivity can extend to your neck, forehead, and behind the eyes.
A very common cause of this headache is eye strain. Your eyes can get tired with intensive use, particularly from computer-related activities. There are several ways to relieve eye strain.
2. Migraines
If the pain is on one side of your head behind your eyes, this might indicate that you have a migraine. This type of primary headache is described as throbbing and pulsating pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Some migraines can be preceded by visual disturbances that can affect both eyes. This condition is referred to as “migraine with auras.”
It is important to note that migraines with auras differ from ocular migraines, as the latter is a type of migraine accompanied by visual disturbances in only one eye. For both conditions, visual disturbances can include seeing flashes of light, zigzag patterns, and short-term vision loss.
3. Cluster Headaches
If you feel a piercing and burning pain around one of your eyes, you might have a cluster headache. A cluster headache is a primary headache type that can cause severe pain. This usually comes in a series of three to four short but painful occurrences – hence the name.
This type of headache can last for 15 minutes to an hour, and you may experience watery or red eyes as well as a runny nose. Cluster headaches can occur in cycles, where you may experience having them for a few weeks, followed by a period of relief or “remission.”
4. Sinusitis
If there is constant pain around your eyes, specifically in the nose and cheeks, this is an indicator that you might have sinusitis. Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is often mistaken for migraine and cluster headaches.
The difference, however, is a true sinus headache may result in yellow or green nasal discharge. This is due to the infection, which does not occur with other headache types.
Get Your Eyes Checked Now
Headaches and eyes go together like peas in a pod. If you believe you are experiencing eye problems that are causing headaches, schedule an appointment with an eye care professional at Looking Glass Optical. A true family business with three generations of eye care specialists dedicated to your health, you can be assured that you are in good hands when it comes to your eyes.
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