Forehead headache: what it can be and what to do

Headache is a very common symptom, appearing at various times in life for several reasons. One of the most common types of pain is headache in the forehead region, which can extend to the temple area and cause great discomfort.

Although most of the time the headache on the forehead is related to excess stress and tension, which can only improve with some rest and use of calming teas such as passionflower, chamomile or valerian, it can also be caused by other problems slightly more serious health problems, such as sinusitis or vision problems, which need more specific treatment.

Thus, whenever the headache causes concern or lasts more than 3 days without any sign of improvement, it is important to consult a general practitioner or go to the hospital, to try to identify the exact cause and start the most appropriate treatment.

Check, then, the main causes for headache on the forehead:

1. Tension headache

Tension headache is very common and arises due to several factors that can cause tension in the body, such as going without eating, sleeping poorly or exercising for a long time.

This type of headache can often be mistaken for a migraine, as it causes a feeling of intense pressure around the forehead, but it is not accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing or sensitivity to light, which are more common than migraine..

What to do: usually the pain improves with rest and relaxation, so a good option may be to opt for a calming tea first, such as chamomile, passionflower or valerian tea. However, if the pain does not improve, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or aspirin, as prescribed by a doctor, can also be used. Check out some soothing tea options and how to prepare.

Another good solution is to have a head massage, for example. See step by step to do it correctly:

2. Tiredness of the eyes

After the accumulation of tension, tiredness in the eyes is one of the most frequent causes of headache in the forehead, especially the one that seems to be on the eyes in the form of pressure or weight.

This type of headache is more common after spending a lot of time doing tasks that require a lot of attention, such as reading or using the computer, as well as after periods of high stress or after sitting with poor posture. Although it is less common, this eye strain can also be due to vision problems, such as myopia or astigmatism, which can be a first sign that it is important to go to the ophthalmologist.

What to do: The best way to avoid this type of headache is to take regular breaks from tasks that require more attention. However, if the headache has already appeared it is important to rest with your eyes closed and stretch your neck, for example. If the pain is very frequent or if it does not improve, it may indicate a vision problem and it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.

3. Sinusitis

Headache in the forehead region is also well known by those who suffer recurrently with sinusitis, due to inflammation of the sinuses. Therefore, it is also very common for the headache to be accompanied by the feeling of heaviness around the eyes, as well as other typical symptoms of sinusitis, such as:

• Runny nose; Stuffy nose; Low fever; Excessive tiredness.

This type of cause is more common during the winter, due to colds and flu, but it can also happen in the spring, especially in people who have frequent allergies.

What to do: A good way to relieve the headache caused by sinusitis is to do a nasal wash with saline, to empty the sinuses and relieve inflammation, and to apply warm compresses on the face. However, anyone who suffers from frequent sinusitis should also consult a doctor to identify the cause and start treatment with a specific remedy.

4. Cluster headache

Although it is a much rarer cause, cluster headaches can also cause very intense and sudden pain in the forehead region, which may even end up around the head, as if it were a tape. This type of headache can last for several minutes or several hours and usually appears for several days, with more than 1 episode per day.

The specific causes of cluster headache are not yet known, but there is usually more than one affected person in the family.

What to do: usually cluster headaches can only be relieved with the use of medicines, such as sumatriptan, so it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or neurologist.

5. Temporal arteritis

This type of arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, causes inflammation of the external arteries that carry blood to the brain. These arteries pass around the temples and, therefore, can cause a headache that is felt mainly on the forehead.

Temporal arteritis pain tends to be severe and recurs recurrently, being accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Pain that worsens when chewing or speaking; Difficulty seeing correctly; Excessive tiredness.

This type of cause is more common in people over 50 and black.

What to do: as it is a recurring problem, temporal arteritis must be evaluated by a neurologist or an angiologist, in order to start a treatment plan that prevents its frequent appearance. Treatment usually includes the use of corticosteroids to relieve symptoms.

6. High blood pressure

When there is a change in pressure, especially when it is high, due to stress, tiredness, worries or not taking antihypertensive drugs, prescribed by the doctor, you may experience a headache on your forehead, such as a feeling of heaviness or pressure.

Usually, the pain starts at the back of the neck and spreads throughout the head, becoming more intense on the forehead. High blood pressure can still cause other symptoms, such as blurred vision, dizziness and palpitations. Find out what the other symptoms of high blood pressure are.

What to do: It is very important to measure the pressure and take the medications recommended by the doctor to bring the pressure back to normal levels. In addition, doing relaxing activities, controlling stress and eating healthy is also very important for controlling hypertension. See other tips for controlling high blood pressure in the video: