A throbbing headache can be caused by a hangover, suddenly stopping caffeine consumption, a migraine, sinusitis or occipital neuralgia.

This type of headache is described as a pulsating or throbbing sensation that can affect the whole head or just one part. It may also be accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light.

It is important to consult a neurologist or general practitioner if you frequently experience a throbbing headache so that the underlying cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of a throbbing headache are:

A throbbing sensation in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Increased sensitivity to light or smells
Pain when chewing
Scalp sensitivity

A throbbing headache can affect the whole head or just one part or side. It can be felt in the forehead, behind the eyes, at the temples, at top of the head or at base of the skull.

You are advised to consult a neurologist or general practitioner if you experience a throbbing headache frequently and if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

What causes a throbbing headache?

The main causes of throbbing headache are:

1. Migraine

A migraine is one of the main causes of moderate to severe throbbing headaches. They are usually on only one side of the head.

Migraines typically present with other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, watery eyes, spots in the field of vision and nausea. Learn more about the symptoms of migraines and how they present.

Migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, strong smells, flashing lights or even food allergies, and they tends to worsen when performing physical efforts, such as walking or climbing stairs.

What to do: iI is important to rest and remain in an environment with little noise and low light, as this can help to relieve the stimuli contributing to a migraine. Frequent migraines should be assessed by a neurologist to identify their underlying cause. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe medications and advise natural remedies for migraines to help complement treatment.

Many patients may also benefit from a migraine diet to prevent further flare-ups or reduce symptom intensity.

2. Hangover

A hangover can cause a throbbing headache on both sides of the head and usually occurs with excess alcohol intake. This can lead to dehydration and dilation of the blood vessels in the brain, leading to intense, throbbing pain.

Other symptoms of a hangover include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound and light, and general malaise.

What to do: Drink plenty of water and eat a light diet. In some cases, your doctor may recommend using hangover remedies to help relieve headaches and other symptoms. Read more about how to cure a hangover quickly.

3. Caffeine withdrawal

Caffeine withdrawal occurs when a person who regularly drinks caffeine suddenly stops consuming it, which can lead to a throbbing headache.

Other symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, or muscle pain, for example.

What to do: Reduce the amount of caffeinated drinks you drink gradually to avoid throbbing headaches from developing. However, if you experience a headache, you can use painkillers, such as acetaminopgen, to relieve the headache.

4. Sinusitis

Sinusitis can cause symptoms similar to migraines, such as throbbing headaches. These are especially felt in the forehead or around the eyes, which is where the sinuses are located.

Sinusitis is characterized as inflammation of the sinuses and can be caused by bacterial infections or allergies.

What to do: You should irrigate the nose with saline solution, and perform a nebulization it 3 times a day to help clear the sinuses and reduce pressure that may be contributing to throbbing headaches. You can also take sinusitis medication as prescribed by your doctor to reduce inflammation and treat any infections that may be present.

Check-out natural treatment for sinusitis that you can use to complement your prescribed medical treatment.

5. Cluster headache

A throbbing headache can also be caused by cluster headaches. This pain is usually intense and more frequent felt behind one of the eyes or on one side of the head.

In addition, other symptoms include a runny nose, swelling of the eyelid and tearing of the eye, which occur on the side where the headache is felt.

What to do: Treatment for cluster headaches usually involves oxygen therapy. In some cases, the neurologist may also prescribe medications, such as verapamil or lithium, to prevent the flare-ups from returning.

6. Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that affects the arteries in the temples of the head. This swelling causing a throbbing headache on the side of the forehead or on both sides.

The pain tends to worsen with touch, making tasks like combing your hair difficult or sleeping on the affected side more difficult. Other symptoms may include fever and general malaise.

What to do: You should consult a rheumatologist to initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of corticosteroids, analgesics or antipyretics to relieve symptoms.

7. Occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is the inflammation of the nerves in the occipital region, which is located at the base of the skull, just above the nape of the neck.

This inflammation can cause intense and constant throbbing headache in this area, which worsens when moving the neck, and can radiate to the top and sides of the head.

What to do: You should adhere to treatment prescribed by your neurologist, which usually involves rest, medication or surgery in the most severe cases.

When to see a doctor

It is important to see a neurologist if you experience the following:

A throbbing headache that does not improve or is felt frequently
Changes in vision, such as double or blurred vision
Pain that worsens when moving
Weakness in the body
Sudden headache

You should proceed to the emergency room immediately if you have difficulty speaking, numbness or difficulty moving one side of the body or mental confusion, as this may be a sign of more serious conditions, such as a stroke. Learn more about stroke symptoms you should not ignore.