One-Sided Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Neurological Symptoms

Q: One-Sided Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Neurological Symptoms

Dear Ms. <br>Y：<br>You mentioned experiencing "unilateral tightness and discomfort, always on the same side... <br>with a sensation of 'unilateral ear fullness and unilateral eye pressure' (notably tightness when moving the eyeball)." This may warrant consideration of chronic mig

Unilateral ear fullness, unilateral eye pressure and swelling, unilateral neck tightness, and headache?

Hello, I have been experiencing headaches for a long time, which are usually relieved by painkillers.
Two years ago, I started having episodes of persistent headaches that are different from my usual ones, lasting for several weeks or even a month.
The symptoms include unilateral tightness and discomfort, always on the same side, with neck tightness extending to the temple.
Sometimes the condition is severe enough that my cheek feels numb, while at other times, I only experience a feeling of tightness and pressure.
Over the past two years, I have undergone various examinations; two years ago, an EEG was normal, and I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Some doctors suggested that my low body weight might lead to increased inflammation or tension-type headaches, among other possibilities.

Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of unilateral ear fullness and unilateral eye pressure (with noticeable tightness when moving my eyes), accompanied by the same side headache, which has been intermittent for over a month.
There is no visual impairment, and after visiting an ENT specialist, my hearing was found to be normal with no blockage.
However, the feelings of pressure in my temple, ear, and eye, along with neck muscle tightness, are quite pronounced.
Aside from these issues, my body shows no other abnormalities.

I am unsure what the problem might be.
Could it be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction or my low weight? What other issues could it possibly be? Are there any further examinations I should consider? Thank you.

y, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/20

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Y:
You mentioned experiencing "unilateral tightness and discomfort, always on the same side...
with a sensation of 'unilateral ear fullness and unilateral eye pressure' (notably tightness when moving the eyeball)." This may warrant consideration of chronic migraine.
The definition of chronic migraine is headaches occurring for more than three months, on more than 15 days per month, lasting more than four hours each day, with at least eight of those days diagnosed as migraine.
The symptoms of migraine are characterized by intense pulsating pain, often starting on one side of the head and progressively spreading and worsening.
In addition to common migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and cold extremities, it may also include specific "aura" symptoms such as dizziness, double vision or blurred vision, slurred speech, temporary blindness, loss of balance, hearing impairment, tinnitus, and body numbness.
If acute medication treatment is ineffective, or if you find that the frequency or dosage of pain medication is increasing, it indicates the need for preventive treatment.
Such medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers (such as antihypertensive medications), neuromodulators (such as anticonvulsants), and antidepressants.
These medications, originally intended for other uses, have been found to improve the function of brain neurons and reduce pain, thus also being used for headache prevention.
Neurologists who specialize in headache medicine are more familiar with these conditions, and I recommend consulting such a physician.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, feel free to discuss them! Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Concerned about you
Hua Medical/Tao Medical

Reply Date: 2024/05/20

More Info

Understanding one-sided headaches can be complex, especially when they are accompanied by neurological symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of tension-type headaches and possibly some features that could align with migraine or other neurological conditions.

Tension-type headaches are characterized by a feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. They can be unilateral (affecting one side) or bilateral (affecting both sides) and are often associated with muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. The symptoms you describe, such as the tightness in your neck leading to discomfort around your temples and the sensation of facial numbness, suggest that muscle tension could be a significant contributing factor.

On the other hand, the unilateral nature of your headaches, combined with the symptoms of ear fullness and eye pressure, raises the possibility of a migraine variant or even a cluster headache. Migraines typically present as severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head and can be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes neurological symptoms like visual disturbances or aura. The fact that your headaches have persisted for weeks or months and are associated with specific symptoms like ear and eye pressure could indicate a more complex headache disorder.

You mentioned being diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysregulation and having a low body weight, which can indeed contribute to various health issues, including headaches. Autonomic dysregulation can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and headaches due to the body's inability to properly regulate blood flow and muscle tension. Low body weight can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may exacerbate headache symptoms.

Given the duration and complexity of your symptoms, it would be prudent to consider further evaluations. While you have undergone various tests, including EEG, it may be beneficial to consult with a neurologist specializing in headache disorders. They may recommend additional imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any structural issues in the brain or cervical spine that could be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, a thorough assessment of your lifestyle, including stress levels, sleep quality, and dietary habits, could provide insights into potential triggers for your headaches.

In the meantime, managing stress through relaxation techniques, physical therapy for neck and shoulder tension, and maintaining a balanced diet may help alleviate some of your symptoms. Regular exercise can also improve overall well-being and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to tension-type headaches and autonomic dysregulation, further evaluation by a specialist is essential to rule out other potential causes and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

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