Left-Sided Headache, Earache and Eye Pain

A cold, allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis can create facial pressure that is felt around the eye, ear and head. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, viral illness such as COVID-19, or dengue fever can also cause headache with wider symptoms. Generalised anxiety disorder and jaw tension may contribute to muscle tightness, but they should not be used to explain away new neurological or eye symptoms. The pattern, speed of onset, fever, vision and examination findings help separate these possibilities.

Rest in a cool, quiet place, drink fluids and limit bright screens if they worsen discomfort. Note the onset, exact location, fever, nasal symptoms, hearing change, eye redness, vision change and medicines taken. Use only pain relief that is suitable for you and follow the label. Avoid overheating and arrange medical review when pain persists, recurs or is unlike your usual headaches.

Seek emergency care for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or confusion, fainting, seizure, loss of vision, severe eye pain with a red eye, stiff neck, repeated vomiting, or headache after a significant injury. Get prompt help for fever with marked illness, dehydration, worsening swelling around the eye or new double vision. These signs need examination rather than home monitoring.

Could the pain be sinus, ear, eye, jaw or migraine related? Do my vision or neurological symptoms need urgent testing? What pattern should I record if the pain returns?