Forehead pain, pain on the forehead

Headache on the forehead

Forehead or forehead headache is often described by sufferers as a feeling of pressure in the area of ​​the forehead, headache pain or headache, more rarely than facial pain. The type and intensity of the pain also differs greatly from each other. To get to the root of the problem, therefore, a thorough investigation and differentiation from other symptoms is necessary. In addition to functional causes of the symptoms, the causes of brow pain include diseases such as neuropathy, inflammation of the frontal sinus, migraine or eye complaints.

contents

definition
Forehead headache in migraine
Cluster headache
Forehead pain in tension headache
Forehead pain in zoster ophthalmicus
Forehead pain in frontal sinusitis
Forehead pain in trigeminal neuralgia
trigeminal neuralgia
Forehead pain in eye diseases
risk factors
diagnosis
Treatment options for a forehead pain

definition

Forehead pains are referred to complaints in the front upper area of ​​the skull below the hairline. The term is used as a symptom and not as an independent disease. The causes are manifold and require a thorough clarification, as even the first illnesses may underlie the complaints.

Forehead pain in migraine

About 10 percent of the population suffer from migraine. The severe, sometimes almost unbearable headache is unilateral in the forehead, temples and eyes of most sufferers and is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise and / or odor. The disease is one of the so-called common diseases.

Often there is a migraine behind a headache. (Henrie / fotolia)

Migraine usually occurs as an attack and runs in characteristic phases. Many sufferers in the so-called "forerunner phase" suffer mainly from mental, neurological and vegetative symptoms such as fatigue or sensitivity to noise. Likewise, cravings for certain foods can announce a migraine attack. In some cases, this is followed by the auraphase associated with cognitive disorders. The most common aspect is impaired vision. Speech disorders and paralysis may also occur at this stage. Therefore, it is particularly important to clearly classify the symptoms and differentiate it from other diseases such as stroke.

In the headache phase, severe pain occurs, especially in the area of ​​the forehead, temples and eyes, which usually only appear in one half of the face. Other symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may be added. Hypersensitivity to light, noise and odors can also occur. Frequently the brow pain increases with activity and movement, while it decreases in rest and darkness. In the recovery phase, the symptoms go back slowly. The person concerned is usually exhausted and tense.

Sleep deprivation, stress, environmental factors, food and hormonal factors are discussed as triggers for migraine attacks. Patients are therefore often required to keep a headache diary to track the cause. In it they document what they have eaten and drunk before the migraine attack and note activities and their mental health.

Cluster headache

Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are characterized by unilateral painful attacks, usually in the area of ​​the temple and eye as well as the lower forehead. Unlike migraine sufferers, people with cluster headaches do not have the urge to go to bed but wander around and move. Typically, the pain occurs at night, one to two hours after falling asleep, and usually lasts between 15 and 180 minutes. Some sufferers also suffer during the day from pain attacks. The frequency of occurrence varies between every other day and eight attacks daily. In most cases, other symptoms such as a drooping eyelid, reddened conjunctiva in the eye, increased tears, sweating in the forehead or face, as well as physical restlessness. Some patients may experience an aura that can occur with migraines. Differentiation from migraine can therefore be difficult.

The causes of cluster headaches are still unclear. An enlargement or inflammation of the blood vessels does not seem to be the trigger of the disease, but rather a consequence of pain attacks. Alcohol and histamine are known as so-called triggers. However, the triggers can be very different individually.

Forehead pain in tension headache

Tension headache, as defined by the International Headache Society (IHS), is when the headache extends throughout the head, including the forehead, and is squeezing or tugging, but not pulsating. The intensity of tension-type headache ranges from mild to moderate discomfort. An episodic tension-type headache occurs when the pain attacks occur at least ten times but less than 180 days a year. Chronic tension-type headache manifests itself for at least 15 days per month and for six consecutive months. Affected persons often have psycho-vegetative abnormalities, including anxiety, stroke disorders, depressed mood, and excessive drug use. The cause of tension-type headache is the interaction of various factors. Thus, the tension of the neck muscles leads to the activation of pain receptors, which in turn trigger a process that makes those affected generally more sensitive to pain. Tense chewing muscles, stress and infections with fever are also discussed as triggers.

In addition, bouts of headache may also be associated with other types of headache, such as short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome.

Forehead pain in zoster ophthalmicus

Zoster ophthalmicus refers to the occurrence of shingles around the face and eyes. The cause of shingles is the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus), which causes chicken pox. However, once these have subsided, the virus remains in the body for life and either settles in the cranial nerves or in the nerve roots of the spinal cord. For example, due to a weakened immune system, the virus can multiply again and make itself felt by the typical belt-like rash and sometimes severe pain. The externally characteristic signs of shingles are due to the fact that the virus appears along the supply area of ​​the nerve in which the virus has taken root. If the virus occurs in the forehead, burning forehead pain is usually the result. In addition to a weakened immune system, the risk factors of zoster ophthalmicus include stress, trauma and UV radiation.

Forehead pain in frontal sinusitis

The frontal sinus (sinus frontalis) belongs to the paranasal sinuses (sinus paranasales) and forms a cavity in the frontal bone. Because the frontal sinus communicates with the middle nasal meatus of the nasal cavity, it can become inflamed in diseases of the nose. Sinusitis (frontal sinusitis) is often associated with fever, runny nose, forehead pain with a feeling of pressure in the front of the skull, headache, fatigue and general lethargy. Most viruses are the cause of the infection. Other pathogens such as bacteria are also in question.

A normal cold may be a complication of sinusitis or sinusitis. (Image: Henrie / fotolia)

Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. The latter is the case if the inflammation lasts more than two to three months. Frequently the chronic course is based on an unhealed acute sinusitis.

Forehead pain in trigeminal neuralgia

In the forehead some nerves run, which can cause strong pain with irritations and inflammations. Nerve pain is called neuralgia. These include complaints that occur in the coverage area of ​​one or more nerves and are triggered by damage to these peripheral nerves.

The so-called trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common neuralgia and can be associated with very severe facial and forehead pain. The pain causing nerves are the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve, trigeminal nerve), which runs in three main branches of the face. By altering neighboring blood vessels in the lower part of the brain or clamping other parts of the nerve, the trigeminal nerve can be irritated and inflamed. In some cases, however, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia remains unknown or there is another underlying disease, such as multiple sclerosis or a tumor. Accident-related head injuries can also trigger nerve pain.

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include a sudden, piercing pain that can occur on the forehead, but also on the cheeks, chin, and around the teeth. Most pain attacks last only a few seconds, but they are repeated at short intervals. Often, then follows a phase without attacks of pain until they start again.

trigeminal neuralgia

In the forehead some nerves run, which can cause strong pain with irritations and inflammations. Nerve pain is called neuralgia. These include complaints that occur in the coverage area of ​​one or more nerves and are triggered by damage to these peripheral nerves.

The so-called trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common neuralgia and can be associated with very severe facial and forehead pain. The pain causing nerves are the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve, trigeminal nerve), which runs in three main branches of the face. By altering neighboring blood vessels in the lower part of the brain or clamping other parts of the nerve, the trigeminal nerve can be irritated and inflamed. In some cases, however, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia remains unknown or there is another underlying disease, such as multiple sclerosis or a tumor. Accident-related head injuries can also trigger nerve pain.

Osteopathy for pain on the forehead. (Image: procy_ab / fotolia)

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include a sudden, piercing pain that can occur on the forehead, but also on the cheeks, chin, and around the teeth. Most pain attacks last only a few seconds, but they are repeated at short intervals. Often, then follows a phase without attacks of pain until they start again.

Forehead pain in eye diseases

Overload and eye disease can also be the cause of a forehead. Daily hours of work on the computer can lead to discomfort, especially if working conditions are not optimal. Another trigger of pain in the forehead may be an unknown vision defect or diseases such as glaucoma or cataract. People who often have a forehead pain should therefore consider an ophthalmological examination.

In addition, there are numerous other causes of forehead pain, including muscle tension, lack of sleep, side effects of medication, dehydration, neurological disorders, brain tumors and accidental injuries of the frontal bone.

risk factors

Forehead pain has many causes and thus different risk factors. For example, computer work can cause eye fatigue and, subsequently, pain on the forehead. In acute sinus infections may also be a soreness. If they do not cure, they can take a chronic course. For migraine and cluster headaches, there are often certain individual triggers that cause discomfort. In addition, an unhealthy lifestyle can be the cause of headaches and headaches.

diagnosis

Frequently, pain in the forehead without an underlying disease and disappear after a short time by itself. However, people with long-lasting, recurrent or very severe, acute brow pain should consult a doctor to clarify the cause of the condition. Above all, people who suffer from bouts of headache, other symptoms such as dizziness, cramps, nerve dysfunction, personality changes, confusion, cold sores, head circumference, visual problems, an enlarged pupil and externally visible changes in the eye is urgently advised to seek medical advice.

Since the causes of forehead pain are very different, the doctor will first ask questions about the medical history and possible triggers (triggers): Are there underlying diseases? When and how long did the complaints occur? Is the pain rather dull, throbbing, stinging or oppressive? Are there any other symptoms besides the brow pain? In addition, further questions are asked, which result from the individual complaints.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), ultrasound (sonography), angiography, positron emission tomography (PET), blood, urine and brain water and ophthalmological, dental and ENT examinations.

Treatment options for a forehead pain

The therapy of a headache usually depends on the cause. If the cause of the complaint is not known, the treatment may consist mainly of analgesic and / or anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, massages, autogenic training or other relaxation exercises, physical therapy and traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture may be useful. People who frequently have headache or forehead pain should be careful about sleep and fluid and avoid stress as much as possible. A healthy diet and exercise can in some cases also prevent the discomfort. (Ag)