Migraine headaches behind the eye may produce symptoms including stabbing pain, red or pink eyes, tearing, blurred vision and light sensitivity. A diary to record when attacks happen as well as avoidance of common triggers like bright lights, loud noises or strong scents can help identify what makes you sick.
Migraine Behind Eye – Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms
Migraines manifest themselves differently for everyone, but often begin in the area around your eyes with throbbing pain that radiates back across to the back of the head and temple area.
You may also experience visual auras, nausea and weakness – all symptoms common of migraines but also linked to certain foods (particularly those containing preservatives or nitrates), bright lights, stress, weather changes, alcohol consumption or skipping meals.
Eye strain is another potential trigger, often the result of staring too long at a computer screen or detailed work without taking breaks. Blurry or shaky vision is usually the telltale sign that it’s time for a break, and primary care providers are adept at diagnosing these types of headaches by searching for patterns among your symptoms, then conducting physical exams to check vision, senses, coordination and reflexes.
Causes
Migraines, tension headaches, cluster and sinus headaches are among the many causes of head pains that appear behind the eyes, but keeping a diary to identify triggers could be very helpful in finding solutions. A lack of sleep, bright lights, certain foods, smoky environments or stress could all play a part in causing migraines.
Migraines can also be caused by certain medications, including oral contraceptives, vasodilators like nitroglycerin, and some anti-seizure drugs. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune eye disorder associated with thyroid gland dysfunction that can result in stabbing headaches with blurred vision and red or pink eyes as well as tears.
Headaches that manifest behind the eyes may also be caused by irritation to or injury of occipital nerves; angle-closure glaucoma, which often produces nausea; and brain aneurysms, where the pain can become unbearable, possibly leading to hemorrhage or stroke. Poor posture is another contributor.
Diagnosis
Although no test exists to reliably diagnose migraine headaches, physicians will typically ask about frequency and intensity of head pain as well as any additional symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound that might indicate migraines are present.
Migraines cause the throbbing pain behind the eyes due to an irritation or injury of occipital nerves, while other headaches that affect this region include occipital neuralgia – which begins in the upper neck or back of the head and moves around behind eyes across scalp in bursts; angle-closure glaucoma which may produce nausea; and brain aneurysms which cause intense discomfort.
Doctors typically perform physical exams and order an MRI to detect any potential symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). While most TIAs resolve themselves over time, severe cases could cause lasting damage that requires permanent repair.
Treatment
If someone experiences frequent headaches behind their eyes, they should seek medical advice immediately to identify and address their root causes. A physician will look at factors like frequency, duration, intensity and pattern when diagnosing headaches as a migraine, tension headache, cluster headache or sinus headache.
Migraines typically cause throbbing pain behind one eye. Other symptoms, including light and sound sensitivity, nausea, weakness and mood changes often accompany them. They may even precede themselves by a “prodrome phase”, with symptoms including food cravings and mood changes before finally leading up to full blown migraine.
There are various treatments for headaches that manifest behind the eyes, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications.
For severe headaches, physicians may also prescribe anti-seizure medication or steroids; alternatively, medications targeting protein CGRP involved with migraine production can also be effective treatments.
How to Differentiate Between a Cluster Headache and a Migraine Headache
Cluster headaches and migraines can be challenging to distinguish due to shared symptoms. However, understanding their differences can aid in accurate identification.
Here are key factors to differentiate between cluster headaches and migraines:
Symptoms
Cluster headaches often involve eye redness, tearing, or nasal congestion on the side of the face where the headache is located. In contrast, migraines commonly trigger nausea and vomiting.
Pain Duration
Cluster headaches manifest suddenly and intensely, reaching their peak within 10 to 15 minutes and typically subsiding within 15 minutes to 2 hours. Migraines tend to develop gradually and persist for a longer duration, lasting up to 72 hours if left untreated.
Pain Location
Cluster headaches primarily occur in, behind, or around one eye but can radiate to other areas of the face, head, and neck. Migraines typically manifest as throbbing or pulsating pain, frequently affecting one side of the head.
Frequency
Cluster headaches tend to occur daily or almost daily for several weeks or months, while migraines typically have less frequent occurrences.
Other Symptoms
Cluster headaches may involve tearing of the eyes, a droopy eyelid, and a stuffy nose. Migraines can be accompanied by visual signs such as a halo or flashing lights preceding the onset of pain.
Note: Some individuals may experience both cluster headaches and migraines, and there can be overlap in symptoms. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for severe headaches to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Home Remedies for Relieving Pain Behind the Eye
There are various home remedies that can help alleviate pain behind the eye. Here are some suggestions:
1. Cold Compress: Apply a cold washcloth over closed eyes for five minutes, two to three times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Castor Oil Eye Drops: Use eye drops containing castor oil to alleviate eye irritation. Administer one drop in each eye before bedtime and repeat in the morning.
3. Aloe Vera: Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Soak cotton rounds in the mixture and place them on closed eyes for 10 minutes, twice a day.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products, exercise regularly, and reduce stress levels to help prevent headaches behind the eyes. Additionally, avoiding processed foods is beneficial.
5. Warm Compress: Apply a clean, warm, moist towel to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, three to four times a day, to relieve pain associated with eye infections such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or a sty.
6. Artificial Tears: Use artificial tears to alleviate dryness and eye irritation.
7. Eye Rest and Protection: Rest your eyes, wear computer glasses, and use sunglasses to prevent eye strain and discomfort.
Note: If experiencing severe or persistent pain behind the eye, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised to identify the cause of the headache and determine the most appropriate treatment.
