Pain in Front of Head? Here’s What It Means

Experiencing a splitting headache is a common occurrence, often triggered by factors like stress, not eating enough, or lack of sleep. Headache can manifest in various locations – one side of the head, between the eyes, or encircling the entire head. But, what’s the significance of these varying locations? Could the position of your headache provide insights into its underlying cause? While location alone isn’t a definitive diagnostic factor, understanding where the pain occurs might offer clues to its origins and guide appropriate treatment. A forehead headache, for instance, doesn’t necessarily stem from the forehead itself; it is linked to different types of headache. 

Let’s delve into the types of headache that manifest as pain in front of head, exploring their causes, symptoms, and strategies for prevention.

Frontal Headache Causes

Each of the following types of headache can be responsible for pain in front of head:

1. Tension Headache

It is the most prevalent type of forehead headache, affecting people periodically. It exhibits the following symptoms:

• A persistent, dull ache spreading across the entire head
• Pain that usually begins in the temples, forehead, or behind your eyes
• Sensitivity or tenderness in regions like the scalp, neck, face, and shoulders
• A feeling of tightness or pressure like a belt tightened around your head

Triggers for tension headaches often encompass stress, depression, or anxiety. However, factors such as fatigue, poor posture, or musculoskeletal issues in the neck can also contribute. Individuals often find relief from tension headaches by using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Additional methods to alleviate discomfort include:

• Engaging in gentle neck exercises
• Enjoying a soothing massage
• Taking a warm shower
• Applying a warm towel or washcloth to the forehead or neck area

2. Eye Strain 

It is one of the most common causes of frontal headache. Notably, headache stemming from eye strain might resemble tension headache but often, uncorrected vision or astigmatism in both eyes or one eye is the underlying culprit. Eye strain can be triggered by various factors, such as:

• Engaging in prolonged visual tasks like reading or computer use
• Extended periods of intense focus
• Elevated stress levels
• Poor posture

Individuals experiencing eye strain-induced headache should consider consulting an ophthalmologist for an eye examination. If impaired vision is identified as the root cause, then corrective measures like glasses or contact lenses might be recommended. Additionally, individuals can adopt certain practices to alleviate eye strain, including:

• Taking frequent breaks from visually demanding activities
• Maintaining proper posture while sitting at a desk
• Incorporating regular stretches for the neck, back, and arms
• Using anti-glare filters for computer screens

3. Cluster Headache

Cluster headache, although rare, can be intensely agonising. Typically affecting one side of the head, often near the eye, forehead or temple, the headache strikes abruptly and can endure for hours. Sometimes occurring multiple times a day, cluster headache may also exhibit additional symptoms such as:

• Restlessness or agitation
• Nasal discharge
• Blocked nasal passages
• A watery or swollen eye

While the root cause of cluster headache remains unclear, there could be a genetic predisposition. Triggers for the headache might include alcohol, smoking, and exposure to strong odours. If experiencing cluster headache, then seeking medical advice is recommended. Treatment possibilities include:

• Corticosteroids
• Sumatriptan
• Oxygen therapy
• Verapamil (a calcium channel blocker)
• Lithium
• Injections of local anaesthetic at the back of the head

4. Sinus Headache

Sinusitis, often prompted by infection or allergies, can lead to inflammation of sinuses. This condition is a common forehead headache cause, leading to tenderness around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. The hallmark traits of the headache include:

• A persistent, dull throb
• Aggravation of pain with head movements
• Nasal discharge
• Blocked nasal passages
• Fever
• Toothache

Managing sinusitis hinges on the underlying cause:

• Cold or flu: Over-the-counter pain relievers and nasal decongestants like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used.

• Bacterial infection: Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor.

• Allergies: An antihistamine could be recommended by your doctor.

5. Rare Secondary Headache

There is also secondary headache originating in the forehead, which is caused by different medical conditions. These conditions could be:

• Brain tumour
• Giant cell arteritis
• Cervicogenic headache

However, these frontal headache causes are significantly rarer and often accompanied by other indicators that point to their diagnosis.

Conclusion

Forehead headache is a frequent occurrence and determining its underlying cause can be valuable. Keeping track of your symptoms and possible headache triggers in a journal or on your phone can assist both you and your healthcare provider in piecing together an accurate diagnosis and crafting an effective treatment plan.