What Causes Severe Right-sided Headache At Night?

Posted on Sat, 26 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I get nighttime headaches only on the right side of my head. Excruciating. Nothing seems to make them stop but they will suddenly stop on their own. Runs from neck up to forhead as well as the back of my head but again it is only on one side. They come and go. I can go months without but they will return and may last daily for months.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your symptoms. I would be in a better position to reach to a conclusion if you answer following questions please:

1. Does anyone in your family has similar complaints? if yes then who and since when?
2. Does pain aggravate with movement?
3. Is there any associated history of:
a. visual symptoms like bright light flashing in your eyes or unable to focus from eyes at particular point?
b. Nausea, vomiting or anorexia?
4. Do you then prefer to lie in a dark room so that you headache improves?
5. Does headache occurs only during awakening?
6. Does headache starts if you are tired or did not take ample sleep?
7. Are you on any kind of medication?
8. Is there any family history of hypertension, diabetes or any other illness?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (9 minutes later)

No one in my family has a similar problem. Movement is irrelevant to the problem. No bright lights flashing or trouble focusing nor nausea, anorexia or vomiting. I am already in a dark room upon occurrence as it only happens at night and will wake me from sleep sometimes 2-3 times a night. It doesn't seem to be associated with being tired or lack of sleep although the problem itself causes some lack of sleep. not on any medication. My father was diabetic.
There is also a constant ringing in the right ear which is the same side the headaches occur on. I have a T-tube in same ear and this problem has been intermittent for about the last 5 years.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably cluster headache

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. Symptoms you mentioned are suggestive of cluster headache. Its treatment includes both general & medical therapy. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:

> Medical Therapy:
zolmitriptan can be taken in nasal spray or tablet form for relief. It is an effective drug but is given on prescription for which you need to visit your local doctor.

> General Measures:
- Try to keep your sleep cycle regular. Changes in sleep cycle strongly effects headache.
- Try to have a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins. Change in environment will help to reduce stress & improve health.

- Following food aggravates symptoms:
> Alcohol
> Caffeine overuse
> Chocolates
> Citrus Food & banana
> Dairy cheese

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar