What should you know about one side headache?

Migraine often produces throbbing pain on one side with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Tight neck and scalp muscles can create a pressing ache, while blocked sinuses may cause facial pressure alongside a cold or Allergic Rhinitis. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion can cause headache with thirst, dizziness or weakness. Common Cold and COVID-19 may bring headache with fever, congestion or other respiratory symptoms. Dengue Fever is another possible cause of headache with fever, body aches or rash, especially after relevant exposure. Anxiety can add muscle tension and change pain patterns.

Rest in a quiet, cool place, drink fluids, eat if you have missed a meal, and reduce screen glare. Record when the headache begins, which side hurts, its severity, triggers, associated symptoms and any medicine taken. Use a pain reliever only if it is normally safe for you and follow the label. Avoid repeatedly taking pain medicines without advice, because frequent use can maintain headaches. Arrange review when headaches recur, change pattern or interfere with work or sleep.

Call emergency services for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, stiff neck with fever, or new vision loss. Seek urgent care for headache after head injury, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, or a rapidly worsening pain. Fever with rash or marked drowsiness also needs prompt assessment.

Does the timing and symptom pattern fit migraine, infection, heat or another cause? Which pain medicine is suitable with my health conditions? Do I need an eye, sinus or neurological examination, and what changes should prompt urgent care?