What Causes Unilateral Facial Pain?

Posted on Thu, 4 Feb 2016

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

Thu, 4 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having some pain in the right side of my face, it keeps pulsating. It feels like a really bad headache on the side if my face

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Provide more clinical details, Possibility of sinusitis or migraine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Unilateral facial pain may be due to sinusitis involving maxillary sinus. It's occurs commonly with recurrent nasal infection or rhinitis.
Associated headache at this age needs evaluation for migraine headache if it is associated with nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound.
Pain killers for acute pain may be taken.
Provide more clinical details.
Is there any recurrent rhinitis, swelling or toothache?
Any redness of eye, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or vomiting?
Any other drugs?
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (8 minutes later)

No tooth pain, thus just started last night. Last week I had a slight sore throat but it went away on its own. I did have a headache yesterday and took some pain reliever. I took a nap for a couple hours and woke up fine then about an hour after was when my face started hurting really bad. Is there anything over the counter that would be helpful to clear this up?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take pain killers only and rest

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If the pain started for a day and is not associated with any swelling, fever then you can only take pain killers like naproxen, aceclofenac or paracetamol available to you for 2-3 days.
Nothing more is required at this stage.
Take rest and adequate sleep. Avoid fasting, chocolates.
Hope you recover early.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj