[22F] Experiencing daily unilateral headaches

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache and they can cause a constant ache and tightness around your head, especially at your temples or the back of your head. They usually last for 30 minutes to several hours, but can last for several days. The exact cause is unclear, but tension headaches have been linked to things like stress, poor posture, skipping meals and dehydration.

• Migraines: These are less common than tension headaches. They're usually felt as a severe, throbbing pain at the front or side of the head. Some people also have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines are a significant health problem that affects millions of people, and they can be disabling. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they're thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

• Cluster Headaches: These are a rare type of headache that occur in clusters for a month or two at a time around the same time of year. They're excruciatingly painful, causing intense pain around one eye, and often occur with other symptoms, like a watering or red eye and a blocked or runny nose. The exact cause of cluster headaches is unclear, but they've been linked to activity in part of the brain called the hypothalamus. People often have a tendency to move about during an attack, which contrasts with a migraine, during which most people prefer to lie still.

• Hemicrania Continua: This is a rare type of headache that causes continuous and often fluctuating pain on one side of your face, around your eye. Other symptoms can include redness and tearing of the eye, and nasal congestion. The cause of hemicrania continua is unknown.

Please note that while these are possible explanations for your symptoms, they are not exhaustive. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Keep a headache diary: This can help you identify your headache triggers. Note down when your headaches start, how long they last and anything that seems to cause them.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and managing stress can all help reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.

3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be effective for relieving headache pain.

4. Consult a healthcare professional: If your headaches continue to be a problem, make an appointment with your doctor. They can help determine the cause of your headaches and suggest appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden, severe headache that's different from past headaches
• Headache with a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you're over 50

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.