Headache over the left eye: what to know

One-sided pain is common in migraine, which can include nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and a need to rest. Nasal blockage, sneezing or pressure that increases when bending may point toward allergic rhinitis, a common cold or sinus inflammation, although location cannot prove a sinus cause. Eye strain can follow close work, prolonged screens or an uncorrected prescription. Dehydration, heat, missed meals, irregular sleep and stress can lower the threshold for several headache types. Clusters of very severe pain around one eye with tearing or a blocked nostril need medical assessment because the treatment differs from migraine care.

Pause close work, dim bright light and rest somewhere quiet. Sip fluids and have a balanced snack if you have not eaten. A cool pack wrapped in cloth may soothe the brow. Keep a record of the left-sided pain, including start time, duration, intensity, sleep, food, heat exposure, screen use, nasal symptoms, nausea and vision changes. Use any non-prescription pain medicine only as directed on the label; a pharmacist can check safety with your existing medicines or medical conditions. Avoid repeatedly taking pain medicine without advice if headaches are frequent.

Call for urgent help if the headache is abrupt and extreme, follows injury, or occurs with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, collapse, seizure, fever and stiff neck. Severe eye pain, a red eye, halos, double vision or loss of vision warrants urgent eye or medical assessment. Book a review when this is a new recurring pattern, becomes more frequent, or interferes with normal activity despite self-care.

Does the one-sided pattern fit migraine or another headache type? Should my vision and eye be examined? Could allergies, sinus symptoms, heat, sleep or medicines be contributing? What should I do if the pain returns?