Where your head hurts isn't a foolproof way to diagnose the cause, but knowing the headache on top of head meaning can be a good starting point for figuring out the root of the problem.
Different types of headaches can show up in similar places though, so what it feels like will also help you narrow down a plan for how to deal with your pain and decide when to see a doctor.
Causes
Migraine - mild or moderate
Migraines can cause debilitating pain that forces the sufferer to retreat from their lives on a regular basis. A headache on right side of head or left is one of the tell-tale signs of a migraine. Mild migraine attacks are defined as those that occur less than eight days out of a month. However, those days can still be debilitating. The exact causes of migraines are not known though there are several triggers linked to the pain, like foods, hormonal changes, and sensory stimuli. Treatment mainly focuses on preventative measures in mild cases.
Sinus headache
Sinus headache symptoms include a stuffy nose, pain and pressure in your forehead or top of your head, and the fast onset of a headache when bending over. Many confuse a sinus headache with a migraine because many of the symptoms of similar. The main differences are that migraine suffers often experience a nausea and a headache simultaneously, along with sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights. At-home treatments include regular exercise to relieve tension and avoiding triggers. Pain medication can be used as needed.
Primary cough headache
A primary cough headache is caused by excessive straining, either from coughing as the name suggests or from other actions like blowing your nose, laughing excessively, or crying hysterically. If you're experiencing a dull pain after excessive straining, the best treatment is an over the counter pain medication as a primary cough headache typically resolves on its own.
Cold stimulus headache ("ice-cream headache" or "brain-freeze headache")
Have you ever taken a giant bite of ice cream on a hot, summer day only to be suddenly hit with a sharp pain in your forehead? This forehead headache type is known as a cold stimulus headache. It usually lasts less than a minute and don't require medical attention. The cause of this type of headache isn't known but theories suggest that the cold temperature alters blood flow and results in brief discomfort.
Tension-type headache
A tension headache is the most common type of headache. The discomfort is described as a feeling of a tight band being wrapped around the forehead. Its causes aren't clearly understood but symptoms include a sharp pain in back of head, tenderness around the shoulders, and eye pressure pain. In most cases, tension-type headaches resolve on their own and can be treated with over the counter pain medication. If you're experiencing this type of headache more than 15 days in a month, you should seek medical care to discuss advanced preventative measures.
Migraine - moderate
When migraines begin to worsen, concern begins to set in. As the days of suffering within a month increase, the risks increase along with them. Complications can arise such as abdominal problems from excessive NSAID pain reliever use. One serious but rare complication is serotonin system, caused by consistent use of migraine medication. If your migraines are causing sharp pains in head that are worsening, speak to your doctor about a different treatment regimen.
Trigeminal neuralgia (may need surgical therapy if refractory to medical therapy)
The trigeminal nerve carries sensations to your brain from your face. It the nerve is affected, severe pain can strike during normal activities, like brushing your teeth or scratching an itch on your cheek. This is classified as trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition. The pain can last for just a few seconds or for several minutes and can intensify over time. There are prescription medications available to lessen the amount of episodes patients experience but if they don't respond favorably to these medications, there are surgical options to consider, such as microvascular decompression.
Post-traumatic headache
If you experience an injury to your head or neck, you can expect a post-traumatic headache to set in sooner than later, though sometimes the discomfort doesn't begin for a week after the incident. Symptoms include head pain, neck pain, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, and insomnia. Medications like those used for migraines, blood pressure pills, and anti-seizure medications are all possible treatments. Non-drug treatments involve biofeedback and physical therapy.
Medication overuse headache
If you experience a lot of morning headaches, it's time to evaluate how much medication you daily take. Whether you take NSAIDS, Triptans, or opioids on a regular basis and in high dosages, you're at risk for a medication overuse headache. Caffeine is also a root cause when discontinued even for a day or more, which is why they're sometimes referred to as caffeine withdrawal headaches. The seriousness of the headache depends on the level of medication used. For example, a caffeine withdrawal headache wouldn't be as serious as one caused by an opioid addiction. Treatment always starts by weaning off the medication causing the discomfort and if a prescribed medication, under medical supervision.
Cervicogenic headache
A cervicogenic headache will always start as pain in back of head at base of skull. It is almost always caused by neck stress, such as a damaged disk or an injury. Eventually, the pain will spread, possibly to the top of the head, and in severe cases, cause blurred vision, dizziness, and mobility difficulties. If diagnosed with a cervicogenic headache, treatment could include spinal manipulation, nerve blocks, or in extreme cases, spinal surgery to relieve compression.
Angle-closure glaucoma
A sudden change in pressure behind left eye or the right can cause angle-closure glaucoma. Sometimes this is caused by cold medications or antihistamines. Other times its caused by cataracts or eye inflammation. It's more common in women and those with a family history of the condition. Symptoms include an eye headache, nausea, and blurry vision. Treatment involves removing excess pressure from the eye with the use of medication and then treating the cause behind the pressure, which varies from patient to patient.
When To See a Doctor
Anyone with a headache that continues after home treatments should see a doctor who may help identify triggers, and suggest lifestyle changes or stronger medications.
Severe headaches should be reported to a doctor for a diagnosis. It is important to be aware of the possibility of a more serious complication, although these problems are not as common as other factors.
Symptoms that confirm a need to see a doctor include:
major changes in the patterns of headaches
severe or persistent headaches or ones that get worse over time
headaches that develop in older age
headaches accompanied by pain near the temples
pain that gets worse with movement or coughing
changes in mental ability
mood swings
headaches after hitting the head
headaches that prevent normal functioning
headaches that wake a person up
headaches in people with impaired immune systems or cancer
Other signs include:
stiff neck
fever
fatigue
decreased mental alertness
slurred speech
numbness
seizures
blurred vision
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care and a professional diagnosis. Given a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, many people can find relief from a headache on the top of the head.
