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| Causes of Left Headache and How to Overcome It |
Causes of headaches on the left can vary, ranging from lifestyle, diet, to certain diseases. So that the pain can be resolved in the right way and to anticipate dangerous conditions, identify what are the causes of left-sided headaches and their characteristics.
Left-sided headaches can come on slowly or suddenly and often feel like a severe or throbbing pain. Usually this condition recovers within a few hours. However, if the pain doesn't go away, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Recognizing the Cause of Left Headache
There are several causes of left-sided headaches. One of them is an unhealthy lifestyle, such as drinking alcohol, delaying eating, lack of sleep, and stress.
In addition, certain foods can also trigger left-sided headaches, such as foods that contain preservatives, nuts, and processed meats. Excessive salt intake can also make a person more prone to headaches.
There are also several medical conditions that can trigger left-sided headaches, including:
Cluster headaches and migraines
Headaches can be felt all over the head, but they can also be heavier or focused in a specific area, such as the left or right side of the head. Headaches that feel more dominant on one side of the head are usually caused by cluster headaches or migraines.
This condition usually occurs more often when fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, or certain stimuli, such as a strong smell or bright light. The duration of left-sided headaches due to migraines or cluster headaches also varies, from just a few minutes to a whole day.
Infections and allergies
Respiratory tract infections, such as the flu, are often accompanied by symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, and headache. Meanwhile, allergic reactions can trigger airways and sinus cavities to narrow, thus triggering a headache on the left. This condition is generally more common in people who have sinusitis.
Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve which functions to transmit physical sensations or stimuli from the facial area to the brain. This condition can be characterized by pain on one side of the face, making it possible to trigger a left-sided headache.
High blood pressure
Although it does not have typical physical symptoms, high blood pressure can trigger a sensation of tension in the neck, to headaches, including headaches on the left.
Stroke
A sudden, severe headache can be a sign of a stroke. Therefore, you need to be alert if you experience these symptoms and consult a doctor immediately, especially if it is accompanied by weakness on one side of the body and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Concussion
A concussion is usually caused by an impact or a hard blow that results in injury to the brain. A concussion can cause symptoms, including a left-sided headache.
Brain tumor
Brain tumor is a condition when tumor or cancer cells grow in brain tissue. Tumors can cause intense, sudden, recurring headaches, and along with other symptoms, such as loss of vision, speech problems, difficulty walking, frequent vomiting, and seizures.
How to Overcome Left Headache
To relieve left-sided headache pain, you can try various home remedies, such as:
- Warm or cold compresses on the aching head.
- Take a warm shower.
- Get enough rest, ie sleep for 7 to 9 hours every day.
- Listen to soothing music.
If necessary, you can take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin.
However, if the headache on the left side or anywhere you feel is getting worse, you should visit a doctor so that this complaint can be treated immediately. To relieve complaints of headaches on the left or headaches that do not go away, doctors can give some of the following medicines:
- NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen, to help relieve severe headaches
- Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol, to treat high blood pressure and prevent episodic migraines
- Antiseizure medications, such as topiramate, divalproex sodium, and gabapentin, to prevent and treat migraines and chronic headaches
- Antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, to help treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances that accompany chronic headaches
- Botulinum toxin, or injections of onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) to help relieve tension in the head muscles and may be an option for people who are incompatible with other medications
It is important to remember that these medications should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, if you experience a headache on the left that is sudden, intense, does not go away, or to the point that it interferes with daily activities, you should immediately consult a doctor.
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