Headache on right side w/sensitivity

[lily0078]

For the past week I have had a very bad headache on my right side.  On a daily basis I get pulsing and sharp pain.  The top of my head on my right side is really, really sensitive to the touch and it goes all the way down to my face.  Around my cheek bone and jaw area.  I'm not sure what this is but any help I can get would really be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for taking time to respond to my question.

[marileew]

Hi lily0078,

Have you seen a doctor about this headache yet? If a headache does not go away with home treatment after that much time has passed, it is important to see a doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis.

There are two types of headaches: primary headaches and secondary headaches. A primary headaches is not caused by a separate disease, illness or an injury. Examples of primary headaches include: migraines and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are a symptom of a disease, illness or injury. Examples of secondary headaches include: sinus infection, TMJ headaches, concussion, eye-strain, a malformation or deformity in the head, neck or spine and meningitis.

Primary headaches are treated with preventive treatment plans and acute treatment plans. Someone with a migraine might avoid migraine triggers and use an acute medication such as a Triptan. Someone with tension headaches might do exercises for their back, reduce stress and take an anti-inflammatory such as Advil.

In order to treat a Secondary Headache, the disease, illness or injury must be cured or controlled. If the headache was caused by an infection, antibiotics might be used. If the headaches were caused by injury, the person might have surgery. If the headaches were caused by teeth and jaw problems, a person might need orthodontic work done.

Only a doctor can rule out a secondary headache and prescribe proper treatment. So it is important that you see your doctor for diagnosis.

From your symptoms, the types of headache possibilities that spring to mind are: migraine (because it is on one side), tension headache (because it's lasted this long), TMJ-headache (because it's around your cheek and jaw area) or Trigeminal neuralgia (because it is in your face).

Hope that information helps! Keep in touch! I hope that the headache goes away soon!

- marilee

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I agree with Marilee that you need to have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation and to rule out secondary headaches. Other differentials include: temporal arteritis and TMJ headaches. Temporal Arteritis presents with a boring, burning, or jabbing pain caused by inflammation of the temporal arteries. This usually presents with pain, often around ear. While Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Headaches are a muscle-contraction type of pain, sometimes accompanied by a painful "clicking" sound on opening the jaw. This can be due to malocclusion or poor bite, stress, and jaw clenching. Take care and do keep us posted.