Headache, a common complaint, can occur in any part of the head, sometimes in the entire head and in some cases the pain is experienced specifically on one side of the head. One-sided headaches can have various causes. The main reason behind one-sided headaches is migraines. Migraine is a form of headache that results in pain on one side of the head, usually throbbing or pulsating. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases of migraine, an aura may occur before the onset of the headache. Aura is a warning sign that a headache is coming. The symptoms of aura may include blurred vision, flashes of light in front of the eyes, a tingling or pricking sensation in the arm, leg, or face on one side. The next cause can be cluster headaches. Cluster headache refers to one-sided pain in the head located in or around the eye on one side. In such cases, the pain occurs in clusters, meaning the pain lasts for weeks to months, followed by a period of remission lasting months to years during which no pain occurs. The pain may extend to the face and neck and may be accompanied by swelling around the eye, redness of the eyes, watery eyes, runny/stuffy nose on the same side as the pain in the head and flushing or sweating in the sight. Temporal arteritis may be another reason. This type of condition occurs when there is inflammation of the temporal arteries that supply blood to the head and brain. The next cause can be cervicogenic headaches. This type of headache starts in the neck and travels to the eye and face on one side, which is usually the result of an injury or arthritis of the neck. The pain may be accompanied by neck stiffness. The pain can also occur in the shoulders and arms. One-sided headaches can also occur as a result of sinus headaches. Inflamed and congested sinuses can cause one-sided headaches.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of unilateral headaches. Homeopathic medicines target the root cause of the headache and help overcome health problems naturally. These provide great relief from headaches without any side effects. These medications gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Besides headache, these medications also help in controlling the associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity, nasal or eye symptoms, etc. The homeopathic prescription varies from case to case depending on the characteristic individual symptoms of the headache. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor after a detailed case evaluation and avoid self-medication. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for mild to moderate intensity cases. In case of severe pain and pain arising from serious problems, urgent help through the conventional method of treatment should be used.
Homeopathic medicines for unilateral headache
1. Belladonna – For one-sided headaches that are made worse by bright light and noise
This medicine is useful in treating unilateral headaches that are aggravated by bright light and noise. It is aggravated by movement of the head and eyes. Pulsating or throbbing pain is marked in most cases. The pain may extend to the bones of the nose or eyes where this medicine is needed. A bursting sensation is felt in half of the head. With a headache, the face becomes extremely red. Headache is relieved by applying pressure to the head with the hands.
2. Iris Versicolor – For headaches and stomach complaints
It is an important drug in the treatment of cases of unilateral headache with stomach upset. Nausea and vomiting occur along with headache. One may suffer from dizziness. The pain is felt on the side of the head and above the eyes. The pain in the head occurs on alternate sides. This medicine is also recommended if the headache is aggravated by mental exhaustion and cold air. The headache may be preceded by blurred vision.
3. Glonoine – For unilateral headache with recurrent vomiting
This medicine may be considered for unilateral headache with recurrent vomiting. Nausea is also prominent. After vomiting, the headache gets better. Before the onset of the headache, darkness occurs before the eyes. Everything looks half dark and half light. Headache is accompanied by warmth in the face.
4. Gelsemium – for poor vision or double vision
Gelsemium is an excellent drug choice for cases of headaches with poor vision or double vision. Headache may be preceded by increased sensitivity to sound. Headache may be accompanied by dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head. This medicine can also be used if the pain is aggravated by mental exertion and heat from the sun. There is relief from the headache by applying pressure. The neck and shoulders may feel painful.
5. Sanguinaria Kan – For pain in the back of the head extending to the right eye
Sanguinaria Can is a very suitable medicine for right-sided headaches. The main characteristic when using this medicine is pain that starts at the back of the head, extends to the top of the head and finally passes into the right eye. It feels like the head would burst or the eyes would come out. During a headache, noise, light and smells are unbearable. Nausea and vomiting may be accompanied by headache. The eyes become red and painful. There is relief from the pain by vomiting and getting enough sleep. This medicine is also indicated for headaches that worsen in the afternoon.
6. Lycopodium – For right-sided headache extending to neck and face
Lycopodium is indicated for pain on the right side of the head, extending to the neck and face. It gets worse when getting up and better when lying down. A unique feature is headache with excessive hunger, relieved by eating. The choking type of pain is well marked on the right side of the temple of the head. This medicine is also indicated in case of aggravation of pain due to mental exertion. Relief from headaches in open, cold air is also a notable feature of using this medicine.
7. Spigelia – For pain at the base of the brain that settles above the left eye
Spigelia is a very effective medicine for left-sided headaches. The characteristic feature indicating its use is pain at the base of the brain spreading to the head and over the eye on the left side. The nature of pain is a throbbing, pulsating type. The pain is worse by loud noise, bending and movement. Cold air, bright light and chewing also increase pain. There is relief from the pain while lying down and by applying pressure to the head. This medicine is also indicated for pain above the left eye. This pain spreads to the face and neck. Pain may be followed by sweating.
8. Lachesis – For left-sided headache with tearing from the eyes
This medicine is beneficial for left-sided headache accompanied by tearing from the eyes. The pain occurs on the side of the left part of the head and reaches as far as the collarbone. The left side of the head is also painful at the slightest touch. The pain is worse at night. There is relief from pain with warm applications. Nausea may be felt along with a headache.