Published on August 02, 2023

Where is Your Headache Located? The Answer Can Help Determine the Cause

woman holding her head

Headaches are common and can happen to anyone at any time. But can the location of your headache help you determine the cause?

Common Types of Headaches

Migraines

Migraines are a severe and debilitating type of headache that can cause throbbing or pulsing pain. Other symptoms of a migraine include nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity.

There are many potential triggers for migraines, such as stress and anxiety, sleep disruption, hormonal changes, dehydration, and loud noises.

Migraines often occur in the back of your head or neck and can also occur on one side of your head.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and present themselves as dull, continuous pain that occurs most often in the forehead region, the top of the head, or the temples. This type of headache can be caused by stress or straining of the eyes, neck, or shoulders and back.

Someone who is experiencing a tension headache may also experience tenderness of the face, neck and shoulder region and pressure behind their eyes.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by intense piercing or stabbing pain behind or around one eye. Other symptoms include watering eyes, swelling of the eyelid and congested sinuses. People with cluster headaches also often feel restless when they are having symptoms.

Smoking tobacco products and drinking alcohol heavily can increase the risk of cluster headaches, however, they can affect anyone. There are specific treatments for cluster headaches that are different than typical headache/migraine treatment, so it is important to talk to a doctor if you think you have cluster headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus-related headaches typically include steady pain in the face, at the bridge of the nose, or in the cheeks. The pain may increase with sudden head movements and can occur with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, fever and facial swelling.

locations of headaches

Screenshot or save this graphic for the next time you have a headache!

Treatment Options and When to See a Specialist

If you're suffering from a headache, you may find relief from simple home treatments and more involved alternative therapies. Common home treatments include:

Staying hydrated
Using an ice pack on your forehead, scalp or neck
Taking over the counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen
Spending time in a dark and quiet room

For those who suffer from chronic headaches, any significant change in the headache pattern or symptoms should be seen by a physician for an exam, and possibly, diagnostic tests. For someone who does not suffer from headaches, you should consult your doctor if you experience a sudden onset of headaches.

EvergreenHealth Neurology, part of the Eastside Neuroscience Institute, has specialized training and experience in hundreds of neurological conditions, including all different types of headaches.

The Eastside Neuroscience Institute is a partnership between EvergreenHealth and Overlake Medical Center & Clinics to bring best-in-class care to meet the needs of our growing community. To learn more, visit eastsideneuroscienceinstitute.org.

Rachael Schutz, MD

Rachael Schutz, MD, EvergreenHealth General Neurology, part of the Eastside Neuroscience Institute, is a board-certified neurologist caring for patients both in the hospital as a neurohospitalist and in the clinic, with a subspecialty in vascular neurology. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Schutz participates in research and education in neuropalliative and stroke care.

Learn more about Rachael Schutz, MD

Learn more about Neurological Care at EvergreenHealth

Learn more about the Eastside Neuroscience Institute