Tension headaches, a common type, can stem from physical or mental stress. Common triggers include anxiety, depression, intense physical labor, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition. This pain often starts in the forehead or eye area, gradually spreading across the head and increasing in frequency. These headaches can occur in episodes 10-15 days each month, lasting from 30 minutes to two days. Individuals may also experience blurred vision and dry eyes, according to Health.

Migraines are characterized by severe, recurrent headaches, often affecting one side of the head. Pain can manifest behind an eye, ear, or on a temple. Additional symptoms include nausea, weakness, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. These episodes can persist for 4 to 72 hours. Common migraine triggers include excessive sugar intake, sensitivity to light or noise, weather changes, alcohol consumption, smoking, medication side effects, and overexertion.

Some medications can cause headaches as a side effect. Illustration: Anh Chi

Sinus headaches result from inflamed sinuses. Allergies or common cold infections can cause this inflammation, as reported by Healthline. Sinuses are hollow passages in the skull connected to the nasal cavity. Inflammation causes swelling and fluid accumulation, leading to difficult nasal breathing and pain behind the eyes, forehead, and jaw. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, and fever.

Cluster headaches are a less common type, marked by intense pain. They may be linked to a sudden release of histamine, a substance that causes allergic reactions, in the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve five). These headaches cause pain on one side of the head, including behind the eye. Episodes can last from 15 minutes to three hours, accompanied by watery eyes, eye swelling, drooping eyelids, and nasal congestion.

Paroxysmal hemicrania, lasting 2-45 minutes, presents symptoms akin to cluster headaches but is shorter. The pain is often throbbing or severe, concentrating around the eye, on one side of the face, or at the back of the neck.

Several natural approaches can help ease headaches and eye discomfort: These include limiting screen time, staying hydrated, and applying a cold compress to the forehead. Resting with closed eyes in a quiet room and supplementing with vitamin B2 or magnesium may also help alleviate migraines.

By Anh Chi