{"id":62179,"date":"2023-12-13T16:59:41","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T21:59:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62179"},"modified":"2024-10-30T16:52:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T20:52:22","slug":"headache-locations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/headache-locations\/","title":{"rendered":"Headache locations and meanings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost everyone gets a <\/span>headache<\/span><\/a> from time to time, according to the <\/span>World Health Organization<\/span><\/a>. But not every headache is the same. Headache locations and meanings are often directly related, as the location of your headache can help you pinpoint the cause, address it, and find relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Headaches confined to a specific location can be a sign of certain conditions or head injuries, says <\/span>Nishant Reddy, MD<\/span><\/a>, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at <\/span>NJ ENT<\/span><\/a> in Marlton, New Jersey. \u201cMore general head pain may hint at systemic problems, such as tension, dehydration, or hormonal issues,\u201d Dr. Reddy adds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Headache causes by location<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Location<\/b><\/td>\nMost common causes<\/b><\/td>\nLess common causes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Behind eye(s)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCluster headache, migraine, or sinus pressure<\/span><\/td>\nEye strain or eye disorders<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Back of head<\/span><\/td>\nCervicogenic headache or occipital neuralgia<\/span><\/td>\nTension headache or migraine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Forehead<\/span><\/td>\nTension headache, sinus headache, or eye strain<\/span><\/td>\nCluster headache<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Temple(s)<\/span><\/td>\nMigraine and tension headache<\/span><\/td>\nTemporal arteritis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
One side<\/span><\/td>\nMigraine<\/span><\/td>\nTension or cluster headache<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top of head<\/span><\/td>\nMigraine or tension<\/span><\/td>\nSinus pressure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Common headache locations and causes<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cThe location of your headache is a helpful hint as to the type and what\u2019s causing it. However, it\u2019s essential to understand that location alone does not give a diagnosis,\u201d emphasizes <\/span>Lauren R. Natbony, MD<\/span><\/a>, headache specialist and medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York. Other factors include headache frequency, severity, duration, and accompanying symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Headache behind eyes<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common types of headaches behind the eyes are cluster headaches, migraine headaches, and sinus headaches, according to Dr. Reddy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cluster headaches and migraines<\/span><\/a> tend to cause severe pain on just one side of your head, while sinus headaches can develop on one or both sides.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n