Headache is always an unpleasant condition, regardless of its strength and duration. Many factors influence its appearance, and most often the person suffering from it knows that they are dependent on weather changes or overwork has affected work. But what to do if, for unknown reasons, the left side of the face hurts? So that feelings for your condition and attempts of unsuccessful self-diagnosis do not join pain sensations, it is necessary to deal with the features of a unilateral headache.
Possible causes
Headache of various localization can be both a disease in itself and a consequence of another serious illness. To understand what caused discomfort, you need to listen to your body and establish the nature of the pain. After all, for each pathology it is different.
Causes of pain on the left side of the head:
- Migraine. This is a neurological pathology, which is characterized by severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head. Localizing withon 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. The cervical vertebrae compress the vessels that supply blood to the brain, and this, in turn, can lead to headaches, high blood pressure and even a stroke.
- Meteorological dependence. Attacks of cephalalgia are accompanied by tachycardia, nervousness, aggravation of chronic diseases.
- Dental problems. If an inflammatory process progresses in the oral cavity (caries, pulpitis, other diseases are present), the patient may complain that the left side of the face and jaw hurt, it is difficult to turn and tilt the head, move the neck and even shoulders.
- Trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerves belong to the group of cranial nerves and are responsible for the sensitivity of the face. In the case of nerve damage on the left side, patients feel that the left side of the head and face hurts. The pain is usually throbbing and can be either constant or undulating.
- Glaucoma. This eye disease can not only cause pain in the affected area, but also give to the temple.
- Stroke or pre-stroke condition. In the event of a headache of unknown origin, especially in the elderly, it is recommended to measure the patient's blood pressure. In case of high readings (the upper limit of normal is considered to be a pressure of 140/90 mmHg), you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Brain tumor. One of the most serious causes of a unilateral headache can be a brain tumor. This diagnosis is characterized by a number of other symptoms: problems with hearing and vision, loss of appetite, deterioration in the quality of sleep. Without timely assistance, the patient's condition will constantly worsen, nausea and dizziness will join.
- Inflammation of the meninges. The disease begins with a daily progressive headache, gradually moving to the left eye, ear, left side of the neck, and eventually to the entire left side of the body.
- Vascular aneurysm of the head. This condition is characterized by a bulge in the wall of an artery, which can cause a cerebral hemorrhage.
- Stress. Constant overexertion can cause the 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, you should not self-medicate, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
What different types of pain say
Most often, all that a patient prone to headache attacks can say about his condition is the nature of the pain. Just the way the left side hurtshead and face, you can determine the diagnosis before the arrival of the ambulance and provide first aid to yourself or your loved one. What does it feel like?
The nature of pain in various pathologies:
- pulsating - may indicate migraine, hypertension (high blood pressure), vegetovascular dystonia;
- shooting - attacks of acute pain occur in many people and can be caused by minor causes (stress, hypothermia), and such dangerous diseases as a stroke;
- pressive - may be the result of various diseases and conditions. Among them are migraines, head injuries, neoplasms in the brain, alcohol intoxication, vascular spasms, susceptibility to changes in atmospheric pressure, diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Sometimes it can be difficult to understand why the left side of the face hurts. For an accurate diagnosis, you must consult a doctor.
Disease Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis in case of complaints of pain in the left side of the head, the patient will be assigned a comprehensive examination to confirm or refute serious pathologies.
Diagnostic methods:
- questioning the patient and studying the anamnesis;
- measuring blood pressure and pulse;
- CT and MRI of the head;
- electromyography (study of the state of nerves and muscles) and electroneurography (study of the peripheral nervous system);
- blood, urine tests;
- Ultrasound of the brain;
- determination of intraocular pressure;
- consultations of related specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, otolaryngologist and others as indicated).
After the diagnosis, the patient will be treated, but before that, during an acute attack, you can try to help yourself.
First aid
Often correctly rendered first aid not only alleviates the condition of the patient, but can also save his life.
First aid for a headache patient:
- take a lying position, relax;
- take a pain pill, carefully reading the instructions before taking it;
- put a cold compress on the forehead;
- apply aromatic oils of lavender, citrus, pine to the points just above the temples (check for allergies before use);
- traditional medicine recommends preparing a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, mint, calendula;
- apply warm dry s alt compress;
- deep breathing will help oxygenate the brain and relieve pain;
- if there is a suspicion of a stroke, it is necessary to immobilize the patient and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
A reason to see a doctor
Headache in itself is a reason to see a doctor. But there are symptoms that indicate that this needs to be done as quickly as possible.
Danger Signs:
- constant aggravation of the condition;
- sudden onset of unilateral headaches after age 50;
- very intense pain;
- headaches due to head injury;
- serious associated problems with vision, hearing, mentality.
All of these symptoms may indicate a serious illness that should be treated immediately.
Treatment of unilateral cephalalgia
Treatment for 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 cephalalgia is inflammation in the mouth or ear, throat, nose, the pathologies are treated by a dentist and an otolaryngologist, respectively.
- After an injury or diseases of the musculoskeletal system, massage, painkillers, exercise therapy will be required.
- 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.
- Triptans are used to relieve migraines.
- If a tumor is suspected, an 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 this condition can make life unbearable. To minimize the likelihood of seizures, it is necessary to adhere totips below.
Headache prevention includes the following activities:
- outdoor walks;
- giving up bad habits;
- proper nutrition;
- avoiding stressful situations;
- moderate exercise;
- he althy sleep for at least 7 hours;
- blood pressure control;
- immunity boost;
- correct posture;
- regular preventive visits to the doctor.
Medic forecasts
Most uncomplicated unilateral headaches are easily controlled with pain medications and lifestyle changes.
If the pain recurs regularly, intensifies, changes its character, it is important to consult a doctor to find 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.
