Dull, throbbing, uncomfortable sensation on left side of head

[nortoons]

I'm a 27-year-old male. For the past several months, I've been experiencing a sort of throbbing sensation mostly on the left side of my head. It's not really painful, just uncomfortable. It almost feels as if blood vessels are throbbing. Occasionally, it feels a bit tender to the touch. This uncomfortable throbbing sensation is not always present, but it seems like it is present more often than it is not. Most often it is located on the leftmost side of my head, but occasionally I've had an uncomfortable throbbing sensation both towards the back and front left sides of my head, as well.

Now, I am on the computer for the majority of my waking hours. I'm a web designer and cartoon illustrator, and all of my illustrations are digitally produced. This basically means that I'm staring at a computer monitor for at least eight hours a day, and often more. I've been doing it since I graduated from college five years ago, and perhaps it's taking its toll on me. I try to rest my eyes from time to time, but I admit I'm not particularly good about it. Do you think this throbbing sensation could be caused by computer vision syndrome? If so, what can I do to alleviate it?

Also, it's worth noting that I typically drink up to three cups of coffee per day, usually in the mornings and early afternoons. I have never been overtly affected by caffeine--I can drink a cup of coffee and still be ready for a nap. I do exercise regularly--about 45 minutes a day on average. It's tough to say whether the throbbing improves when I'm exercising or just away from the computer--I need to pay more attention. Also, it's very difficult for me to get away from the computer for any meaningful length of time since I do all of my work on it.

Any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated. I am scheduled for a routine doctor's appointment in just under one week, but I'd like to do my homework and be prepared to ask him pertinent questions about this unusual throbbing sensation. Thank you!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? One sided throbbing headaches are usually associated with migraine headaches. It would help if you identify the possible triggers of the headache. And you have this managed properly by your doctor.  There is a migraine tracker here in Medhelp that may help. Take care and do keep us posted.

[mimari]

I've got the exact same thing- and I'm floored to find someone else who has the same description of the sensation.  It's been happening to me for a couple of years now, and seems to have increased in frequency and intensity over that time.  I've tried propranolol to no avail, and am currently taking Neurontin at a low dose which has not done anything, am crossing my fingers that a higher dose might.  It *****, yeah?  A lot.  Day in day out.  Does your mood significantly shift along with the increase or decrease in the pulsing?