What is this scary pulsing on left side of my head at night? This is something that happens only once in a while, but usually when I lie down at night. I typically sleep on my left side. Sometimes, as soon as my head hits the pillow, I will have a sensation that feels like a huge artery or vein is pulsing on the left side of my head. It s a very strong racing pulsation, and can be scary. The location is a spot just above and slighty forward of my ear. Not sure if it s related, but I also occasionally have a slight feeling of numbness on the lower left side of my face, the area close to the corner of my mouth. It usually lasts just a few seconds, and may not happen again for days, weeks or months. Has anyone ever heard of or experienced these symptoms?