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Headache behind the eye
Most of us suffer from headaches at some point in our lives. There can be several causes, but if you periodically experience headaches with intense pain around one eye, you may be suffering from Horton’s headache, also known as cluster headache.
Horton’s headache is a rare disorder that causes regular attacks of severe pain. The pain affects only one side of the head and is often located around or behind the eye. Other symptoms that may occur in association with a pain attack are:
– The eye may turn red and tear
– The eyelid may droop
– The pupil may narrow.
– The nostril may become blocked and start to run.
A pain attack usually lasts between 15 minutes and three hours. The attacks recur several times a day, preferably during the night. The episodes of pain usually last from a few weeks to several months, followed by periods without pain. The disease usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40 and resolves by 65, but can last a lifetime. Horton’s headache is more common in men than women.
Why do you get pressure behind your eye and headaches?
Researchers have not found an actual reason why people suffer from Horton’s headache. One reason may be that the hypothalamus in the brain activates nerves that create severe pain in the face. It has also been found that there is recurrent inflammation in the blood vessels that run behind the affected eye.
There are many factors that can trigger cluster headaches. Some of these are:
Sleep
Stressful lifestyle
Smoking
Alcohol
Cold and heat
Wind Drag
Large differences in altitude
Caffeine
Histamine-rich foods
Drug
Headache behind the eye – Other causes?
Other forms of headache produce similar symptoms to Horton’s headache. Tension-type headaches and migraines can cause pain behind and around the eye area. The pain may be intense and one-sided, the nose may become stuffy and the eyes may start to water. Many people confuse pain behind the eye with eye migraines, but in fact eye migraines don’t hurt, they just create an aura in the field of vision.
When and where should I seek treatment for a headache behind the eye?
It is common for people with Horton’s headache to treat the symptoms with painkillers. This can help manage the pain but is not an optimal solution as the cause is still present. To reduce recurrence, you need to think about the reason why you were affected. Are lifestyle changes needed? Does it require medical attention?
Going for a fascia treatment can be beneficial. The fascia is where most of our pain receptors are located and almost all communication in our body goes through the fascia. The treatment increases the flow of the fascia, reduces pain, increases relaxation and improves mobility between different structures in the body. This in turn helps the body to heal itself. Many people find the treatment very pleasant and soothing.
What can I do if I have a headache behind my eye?
Often, lifestyle changes are needed to avoid the factors that can trigger Horton’s headache. Relaxation exercises and CBT therapy can be helpful. Deep breathing can also be helpful as it affects the diaphragm. The movement of the diaphragm improves our blood circulation, lymph, our autonomic nervous system and the flow of fascia.
