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What Causes Palpitation In The Right Side Of The Head?
Question: I have had head pain on the right side of my head. Today I had a palpitation in my head on the opposite side. No nausea, no vision disturbances, it lasted about three seconds. I have slight pain in my ear also
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities...
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the lack of other symptoms such as weakness or numbness of the limbs on one side, nausea and vomiting, speech issues, vision disturbances, confusion or behavior changes etc I would say there is no indication of any brain lesion. That palpitation you mention doesn't look significant judging by its very short duration either.
Given the ear pain you mention the first possibility to be looked into would be an ear infection which can well be a cause of such a unilateral headache.
Another possibility of one sided headache would be dysfunction of the temporo-mandibular joint, the joint between the mandible and the skull. It can cause unilateral headache which can spread to the ear.
A tooth infection would also be a possible explanation.
Other neurological possibilities would include migraine but if no prior such headache it is unlikely to develop migraine at your age. Tension type headache would be another possibility, it is the most common type of headache often triggered by stress and anxiety, but usually it is relieved by naproxen.
Only if the above mentioned issues (ear infection, dental issues) are excluded and symptoms persist for over 2 weeks I would recommend brain imaging to be scheduled even in the absence of other symptoms in order to completely exclude a brain cause such as tumor.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several possibilities...
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the lack of other symptoms such as weakness or numbness of the limbs on one side, nausea and vomiting, speech issues, vision disturbances, confusion or behavior changes etc I would say there is no indication of any brain lesion. That palpitation you mention doesn't look significant judging by its very short duration either.
Given the ear pain you mention the first possibility to be looked into would be an ear infection which can well be a cause of such a unilateral headache.
Another possibility of one sided headache would be dysfunction of the temporo-mandibular joint, the joint between the mandible and the skull. It can cause unilateral headache which can spread to the ear.
A tooth infection would also be a possible explanation.
Other neurological possibilities would include migraine but if no prior such headache it is unlikely to develop migraine at your age. Tension type headache would be another possibility, it is the most common type of headache often triggered by stress and anxiety, but usually it is relieved by naproxen.
Only if the above mentioned issues (ear infection, dental issues) are excluded and symptoms persist for over 2 weeks I would recommend brain imaging to be scheduled even in the absence of other symptoms in order to completely exclude a brain cause such as tumor.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. I have been so worried about these headaches. Should I go to an ER or just wait? It's just so frightening.
Brief Answer:
Can wait for a couple of days.
Detailed Answer:
You should be seen by a doctor but not necessarily in the ER, no indication of an urgent issue unless other symptoms appear.
So it depends on how soon can your primary doctor receive you, if you can see him/her in the next couple of days I think it can wait till that appointment. If he/she can't and the pain is not alleviated at all by Naproxen then you should go to the ER.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Can wait for a couple of days.
Detailed Answer:
You should be seen by a doctor but not necessarily in the ER, no indication of an urgent issue unless other symptoms appear.
So it depends on how soon can your primary doctor receive you, if you can see him/her in the next couple of days I think it can wait till that appointment. If he/she can't and the pain is not alleviated at all by Naproxen then you should go to the ER.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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