When the headache takes the form of uniform or unstable pulsations, it becomes especially unbearable, and you want to eliminate this discomfort very quickly. However, without clarifying the causative factors, even strong painkillers are ineffective. Consider why there can be a throbbing pain in the head.
Pulsating pain in the head - causes
As with the appearance of painful sensations of a different nature, a throbbing pain in the head indicates a malfunctioning of any organs or systems. Clearly, the localization of uncomfortable pulsations helps to clarify the factors provoking this symptom. In addition, it is important to take into account the presence or absence of other adverse manifestations.
In most cases, the pulsating headache of the cause is vascular, i.e. is associated with the defeat of blood vessels that provide blood circulation inside the skull. Other common causative disorders are neurological, vertebrogenic, infectious syndromes, arterial and intracranial pressure disorders, and tumor processes. In more detail, we describe the possible causes, depending on the localization of pulsating pain in the head.
Pulsating pain in the back of the head
Provoke pulsating pain in the occipital part of the head may have high blood pressure. Concomitant symptoms in this case are often dizziness, nausea, palpitations, general weakness, the transition of the character of the pains to bursting, pressing. In some cases, these sensations arise already in the morning awakening, intensify when the head is tilted. This condition is very dangerous, it can be a harbinger of a stroke. To check whether pain is really associated with pressure, you should measure it.
Pulsating headache in the nape of the neck is often caused by diseases of the cervical spine, in which there is a squeezing of the vessels, pinching of nerves passing in this area. In most cases, the culprit is cervical osteochondrosis, scoliosis. Other manifestations can be: stiffness of the muscles of the neck and upper back, convulsions, sleep disturbances, memory impairment, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, voice change.
Pulsating pain in the left side of the head
If there is a throbbing headache on the left, it is probably a manifestation of migraine. Migraine attacks occur under the influence of various factors: stress, mental overexertion, the use of certain foods, alcohol, changing weather conditions, etc. The pain is intense, painful, accompanied by nausea, light and noise, visibility, dizziness, etc.
Pulsating pain in the right side of the head
One-sided pulsating headache on the right is characteristic of migraine, manifested by pain in one part of the head. Other distinctive features of this pathology may include: increased discomfort in bright light, loud sounds and physical exertion, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of lack of air, hallucinations, hearing, vision, etc. The attack can last from a few hours to 2-3 days.
Pulsating headache in temples
With one-sided pain - for example, when there is a throbbing pain in the left temple, you can suspect the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. The localization of discomfortable sensations is possible with such a lesion is different, depending on which part of the nerve is affected. Associated inflammation can be with hypothermia, activation of herpesvirus, trauma, etc. This is characterized by intense pain attacks accompanied by muscle spasm on the face.
Temporal pulsation in some patients is associated with bouts of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Other symptoms of the pathology are: weakness, low or high blood pressure, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, a sense of lack of air. Sometimes uncomfortable sensations in this part of the head testify to arterial hypertension, intoxication, migraine, overwork of the body, diseases of the hearing organs.
Pulsating headache in the frontal part
In this case, the headache is of a pulsating nature, possibly caused by increased intracranial pressure, which is accompanied by nausea, impaired consciousness, visual disturbances, seizures. Often, such localization of unpleasant sensations is associated with intoxication of the body with infectious respiratory diseases, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, eye diseases. In addition, throbbing head pain affecting the frontal zone is typical for inflammatory processes in the brain tissues, benign and malignant tumors in the cranium.
The so-called cluster pains often affect the forehead region, concentrating more in the area of one of the orbits, and are characterized by sensations of pulsation, tingling, burning. The attack often begins with the laying of the ear, then such pains as reddening of the eye, blurred vision, increased sweating, nasal congestion, an increase in heart rate are added to the pain sensations.
Pulsating pain in the head during movement
Appearing during the movement, inclinations and turns of the neck, the paroxysmal throbbing headache in the majority of patients is associated with inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, osteochondrosis of the spine, neuritis. Concentrate soreness can be in different parts of the head or be diffused, spreading across all zones. In addition, the pains of different etiologies often increase when making movements. Sometimes the manifestation is accompanied by other clinical signs: elevated body temperature, motor function disorders, paresis, nausea, etc.
Nausea and headache are the causes
In those cases when there is a throbbing headache with concomitant nausea and even vomiting, but there are no problems with digestion, possible causes are associated with impaired brain function and diseases of the nervous system. The provoking factors of this condition can serve as craniocerebral trauma, taking certain medications (side effect). Such symptomatology is provoked by arterial hypertension, tumors of brain tissues, migraine attacks.
What if I have a bad headache?
Frequently occurring severe pulsating headache is a good reason to call a doctor. Due to the fact that it acts as a sign of too many diseases, there is a need for a comprehensive examination for diagnosis and treatment, which may include the following methods:
- laboratory analysis of blood and urine;
- monitoring of blood pressure;
- X-ray of the cervical spine;
- magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the brain;
- electroencephalography;
- ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head, etc.
In addition, it is often advisable to consult a narrowly specialized specialists - a neurologist, a neurologist, an otolaryngologist, a surgeon, a dentist, etc. Before applying to a doctor, you can try to reduce the pain by yourself by taking OTC analgesics (Paracetamol, Analgin, Naproxen, etc.) receptions:
- relaxation in a quiet environment with muted lighting, minimizing noise;
- providing access to fresh air;
- warm foot bath;
- reception of sedative herbal tea;
- A warm compress on the occipital part of the head and a cold compress on the forehead;
- massage of neck and shoulder muscles, as well as scalp.