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What Causes Headache On One Side Radiating To Jaw?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Question: Hi I'm having a terrible head ache on one side which is my right side in goes all the way down into my jaw I've had it for 5 and a half hours now. I have had plenty of fluids n food all day please help the pain is getting to much. I have had head aches on and off for the past week but none as bad as now. And.pain in my neck.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Unilateral headache may be due to : migraines, tension headaches or congestion on the sinuses on the right side.

Migraines would also be associated with nausea, worsening of headaches with light and noise, unable to get on with normal activity. They also last at least 4 hours, in some cases they may last up to 72 hours.
There may also be a family history of migraines.

If you have a history of sinus disease (post nasal drip, nasal congestion , coughing and sneezing), then this can also cause a headache on one side of the head. This would also normally cause tenderness when pressing certain areas of the face.
This is treated with the use of decongestants, antihistamines and topical steroid nasal sprays.

If there is no history consistent with migraines or sinuses problems then the headache is likely due tension headaches. Tension headaches can be associated with pain in the neck and shoulders as well.

If the pain medication that you are currently using is not helping you then you may need to either try other over the counter meds or visit your doctor for stronger pain medication.
Naproxen is another over the counter medication that may help.

If this is not effective, then stronger pain medication may be needed.

Relaxation therapy would also be useful.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (41 hours later)
Hi I went to the Drs today about my head ache which I still have I also had a raised pulse when I got up and raised blood pressure which was 150/98. The dr re did my b/p which was 142/90 I have also had chest pain please help?? I didn't see my normal doctor. All he did was my blood pressure should I get a second opinion??

And nausea to
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
if not comfortable

Detailed Answer:
HI

If you are not comfortable with the examination and assessment then you should get a second opinion.

Though high blood pressure can be associated with a headache , the values are at which this occurs are much higher. These readings are not usually associated with a headache.
It is likely due to another cause.

In terms of the chest pain , this can come from any structure in the chest from the skin inwards.
This means chest pain can come from: (1) skin (eg in shingles or other painful rashes)
(2) muscles and other soft tissues
(3)bones- sternum and ribs
(4)lungs
(5)heart
(6)esophagus
(7)anxiety

The cause can be determined by careful history and examination (palpating chest, blood pressure, listening to the heart and lungs).

If by history and examination, the pain does not seem to be related to any of the structures mentioned, then it is thought to be anxiety or stress related.

If you do not think that a proper assessment was done then it would be best to visit another doctor for a second opinion.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Headache On One Side Radiating To Jaw?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Unilateral headache may be due to : migraines, tension headaches or congestion on the sinuses on the right side. Migraines would also be associated with nausea, worsening of headaches with light and noise, unable to get on with normal activity. They also last at least 4 hours, in some cases they may last up to 72 hours. There may also be a family history of migraines. If you have a history of sinus disease (post nasal drip, nasal congestion , coughing and sneezing), then this can also cause a headache on one side of the head. This would also normally cause tenderness when pressing certain areas of the face. This is treated with the use of decongestants, antihistamines and topical steroid nasal sprays. If there is no history consistent with migraines or sinuses problems then the headache is likely due tension headaches. Tension headaches can be associated with pain in the neck and shoulders as well. If the pain medication that you are currently using is not helping you then you may need to either try other over the counter meds or visit your doctor for stronger pain medication. Naproxen is another over the counter medication that may help. If this is not effective, then stronger pain medication may be needed. Relaxation therapy would also be useful. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions