Causes of Sharp Pain Above Left Eye

There are several factors that often cause sharp pain just above the left eye. In the article we will consider the main causes of pain in the brow area, as well as methods of treatment and prevention of this problem.

There are numerous types of headaches, and numerous elements might cause them. Headache above left eye, for instance, might be due to a problem with the nerves or blood vessels in the area, or it can be a sign of infection. Headaches might come and go, but if your symptoms continues or worsens, call your doctor for appropriate examination and treatment.

1. Cluster Headaches

These are unusual vascular headaches that vary from stress headaches or migraine headaches. The American Headache Society reports that cluster headaches are more common amongst men between 20 to 30 years old, which are referred to as severe, stabbing headaches that take place around the eye or temple.

Cluster headaches might take place every other day as much as 8 times daily, lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Other symptoms include tearing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sweating, and saggy eyelid. Causes may include irregular hormone or neurotransmitter levels, hypothalamus dysfunction, and dietary or ecological triggers.

2. Sinus Infection

Headache above left eye might be caused by sinus infections. You will feel pressure-like pain in some specific areas, which can become worse when you flex forward or do sudden head movements. Pain might be severer in the morning after draining mucus from the sinuses. Other symptoms include postnasal drip, sore throat, yellow-colored green nasal discharge, despair and mild to moderate-grade fever.

3. Glaucoma

Another condition that can cause headache above left eye is glaucoma. This condition is due to the build-up of pressure within the left eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, destroying peripheral vision and causing blindness.

4. Infection or Tumors

Any infections or growth in the left eye or brain can cause pain around the eye. Although infections or growths do not cause pain to the brain tissue, these can damage nerves and other tissues near the impacted eye.

5. Aneurysm

Aneurysms are abnormal blood vessels that balloon in the brain and can leak or burstcompletely, triggering bleeding, or stroke. Most hemorrhagic strokes occur between the brain and its delicate coverings, causing subarachnoid hemorrhage. This causes a sudden, unbearable headache near the back of your head, can cause pain in the left or right eye. See your doctor right away.

6. Trauma

Trauma to the head or direct injury near the left eye can cause fractures and bleeding within the skull or the area around your eye. This prevails during contact sports.

7. Migraine

Migraine headaches are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light level of sensitivity (photophobia), and visual symptoms.

When to Worry

Symptoms associated with serious headache above left eye may include the following circumstances:

• Morning headaches.
• Head pain becomes worse when straining, coughing or sneezing.
• Vomiting however no nausea.
• Abrupt and “worst headache” ever.
• Constant or worsening headache.
• Weakness in arms/legs.
• Personality changes.
• Vision changes.
• Seizures.

Treatment for Sharp Pain Above Left Eye

1. Treat Cluster Headaches

• Inhaling 100% oxygen through a face mask.
• Triptan injections, which work for intense cluster headaches. This type of medication can also be used as a nasal spray, which might take longer to work.
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is another triptan medication used as a nasal spray or as oral tablets to relive cluster headaches.
• Octreotide (Sandostatin) is an injectable artificial hormone that imitates somatostatin, a natural brain hormone.
• Intranasal anesthetics such as lidocaine may work versus cluster headache.
• Dihydroergotamine in the intravenous or intranasal type may be used for this type of headache.

2. Treat Migraine

Migraine treatments include:

• Prescription drugs that work by acting upon specific receptors in the nerves/ capillary in your head.
• Over-the-counter rescue medications to stop headaches.
• Other preventive medications that should be taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.

3. Prevent Triggers

There are numerous aspects that can trigger headaches, including:

• Alcohol use (don’t consume alcohol, alcohol is harmful for health).
• Caffeine usage.
• Sugary foods and processed foods.
• Avoiding meals.
• Bright lights.
• Loud sounds.
• Absence of sleep or changes in sleep patterns.
• Direct exposure to strong smells, including cigarette smoke.

4. Self-Care Tips

A minor headache above left eye can be treated successfully with basic remedies. However, if you experience a sudden sharp above left eye, “worst headache ever”, call 911 or go to an emergency clinic immediately. Helpful home treatments include:

• Keeping the house peaceful and lights dim.
• Using an ice bag as cold compress to the affected area.
• Getting physical therapy.
• Having a warm bath or shower.
• Lying down for a nap.
• Going out for a walk and fresh air.
• Having a neck massage.
• Using the thumb and index fingers to use pressure to the affected area.

Sharp Pain Above Left Eye that Comes and Goes

There can be a few reasons somebody has this brow-type pain. The first is just a basic headache, however centered over the brow; this is not your normal, stress type headache, however headaches can many times manifest in unusual methods, even when the cause is the same as a general headache.

Secondly, there is a paranasal sinus behind the eyebrow which, if complete or if there were an infection of that sinus, might cause this brow-type pain. If you have symptoms of sinus fullness of discomfort, then this may be something you want to resolve with your primary care doctor.

Considered that you have stinging eyes, it’s quite possible that the eyes are to blame for this brow pain. The most typical reason for the eyes to be causing these symptoms is because of an inefficient tear film syndrome. An inefficient tear film can be due to many different aspects.

Different medications such as psychiatric medicines, antihistamines, cold medications and others can add to an inefficient tear film. Allergic reactions in the eyes can also contribute and or intensify.

Some individuals have an inherent deficiency in making their own tears (these individuals might also have other dry mucus membranes, such as their mouth, nasal passages, or genitalia).

Lots of people have an inflammation in the eyelids called blepharitis which causes the tear film that is expected to coat the front of the eye to not operate also, and then the eyes dry out.

Individuals with blepharitis can have morning tearing, burning, and typically eyelash mattering however they can likewise have these symptoms throughout the day to also include tearing, stinging, itching, burning, a gritty/foreign-body senstation or just periodic vision variations.

Their symptoms improve as the day advances, but then they get intermittent blurring when they use their eyes greatly in activities such as reading, enjoying TV, computer use or owning.

Prevention

• Limit coffee intake. Although a small amount of caffeine can help avoid headaches, extreme use can cause overuse headaches. Take just one to two cups (less than 200 mg caffeine) of coffee daily (about two cups), or none at all.
• Quit alcohol (don’t consume alcohol, alcohol is harmful for health). Any alcohol  trigger for alcohol-induced migraines.
• Take riboflavin (a B-vitamin) or vitamin D. Research reveals that taking high dosages of these vitamins can help avoid your headaches. They increase nitric oxide levels, which keeps the capillary wide.
• Have routine sleep schedule. Try to get up at the same time every day. A stable sleeping schedule normally reduces the frequency of headaches.
• Make your own workout routine. It is encouraged to exercise at least 30 minutes daily three times a week. Do aerobic exercises. Exercise launches the body’s natural chemicals called endorphins, which reduce pain. Workout likewise reduces stress and promotes better moods and brain wellness.

Conclusion

If you are faced with acute pain over the left or right eye, we strongly recommend that you visit a therapist and an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of such pain as soon as possible and get competent treatment as soon as possible.