What Causes a Throbbing Headache?

Medically Reviewed By Deena Kuruvilla, MD

There are many probable causes of a throbbing headache. These range from migraine to sinuses. This article details the causes of a throbbing headache. It also describes other symptoms you might experience. Finally, the article covers when to contact a doctor and how to treat a throbbing headache medically and at home.

What causes a throbbing headache?

Male holding his head in one hand
Zeta Fernández/Stocksy United

There are many possible causes of a throbbing headache. This type of headache can occur in different areas of your head, including:

  • both sides of your forehead
  • one side of your forehead
  • behind your eyes
  • at the temples
  • in the top of your head
  • at the base of your skull

Migraine

Migraine is a medical condition that often includes headache symptoms. Headaches associated with migraine may be severe and include throbbing pain. They may occur on one side of your head or sometimes on both sides.

There are many types of migraine. The two most commonly Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source seen types are:

  • Migraine with aura: Migraine with aura includes symptoms of aura that can typically occur 10 to 30 minutes before a migraine attack. These symptoms include:
    • seeing flashing lights, zigzags, or blind spots
    • feeling numbness or tingling in your face or hands
    • having a disturbed sense of smell, taste, or touch
    • feeling “fuzzy” mentally
  • Migraine without aura: In migraine without aura, you may experience the other symptoms of migraine but without the aura phase.

Read more about migraine.

Sinus headache

Headaches associated with migraine are often confused with sinus headaches. Sinusitis is associated with congestion or obstruction in the nasal area. The headaches many people experience secondary to this are commonly known as sinus headaches, although this is not an official medical classification. This typically causes fever and the following:

  • feeling pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead
  • feeling fullness in your face
  • having a thick nasal discharge
  • having nasal congestion
  • having redness or tearing in your eyes

Read more about sinus headaches.

Caffeine withdrawal headache

If you drink large quantities of caffeine and suddenly stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. This may include a throbbing headache. This is due to rebound dilation of the blood vessels.

Typically, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal begin within 12-24 hours after you stop consuming caffeine. Studies have shown that headaches occur in around 50% of people Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source experiencing caffeine withdrawal.

Read more about caffeine withdrawal.

Occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia occurs when the occipital nerves are injured or inflamed. The occipital nerves are the nerves that run through your scalp.

The headaches resulting from occipital neuralgia typically occur at the back of your head or behind your ears. These headaches are typically severe and can feel like:

  • piercing pain
  • throbbing pain
  • shock-like pain

Read more about occipital neuralgia.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches occur in groups or “clusters.” Typically, someone with cluster headaches experiences periods of headache approximately 1-8 times a day.

People with cluster headaches can experience these periods for weeks or months. This is generally followed by periods without headaches. This can last months or years. Those with chronic cluster headaches typically do not have a time of remission, or this time lasts only less than a month.

Read more about cluster headaches.

Other causes of throbbing headache

Other causes of throbbing headaches include:

What are the other symptoms of a throbbing headache?

Depending on the cause of your throbbing headache, you may also experience other symptoms, including:

  • nausea
  • sweating or flushing of the face
  • smaller pupil or drooping eyelid
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • redness or tearing of the eyes
  • sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

When should you see a doctor for a throbbing headache?

Headaches are not always a cause for concern. Most people experience headaches at one time or another. However, some signals indicate you should contact a doctor about your headaches. These include changes to the pattern of your headaches and the following:

  • headaches that first develop after the age of 50
  • an unusually severe headache
  • a headache that worsens with coughing or movement
  • headaches that grow increasingly worse
  • a headache that causes changes in your personality or mental function
  • a headache that is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or other neurological symptoms
  • a headache that is accompanied by a painful red eye
  • a headache that is accompanied by pain or tenderness in or near your temples
  • a headache that occurs after a blow to your head
  • a headache that prevents typical daily activity
  • a headache that comes on suddenly, especially if it wakes you up
  • a headache in a person with cancer or a weakened immune system

How is a throbbing headache treated?

Treatment for a throbbing headache largely depends on the cause of the headache. Some common medical treatments include:

Speak with your doctor about your headaches, what is causing them, and what the most effective treatment is for you.

What are home remedies to treat a throbbing headache?

Throbbing headaches can often be treated at home. Ways you can treat headaches at home include:

  • staying hydrated
  • getting plenty of rest and sleep
  • trying to relax and decrease your stress
  • taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
  • avoiding alcohol
  • avoiding skipping meals
  • avoiding too much sleep or more sleep than you would typically get
  • avoiding straining your eyes

Speak with your doctor about the most effective way to treat your headaches at home.

Summary

There are many possible causes of throbbing headaches, including migraine, sinus headaches, and caffeine withdrawal.

Depending on the cause of your headache, you may experience other symptoms such as nausea, redness or tearing of your eyes, or a runny or stuffy nose. Treatment for throbbing headaches also depends on the cause. Speak with your doctor about the most effective treatment for you.

Many headaches are treatable at home by staying hydrated, resting, and taking OTC pain medications.

If you notice changes to the pattern of your headaches, an unusually severe headache, or a headache that affects your daily activity, contact your doctor.

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Medical Reviewer: Deena Kuruvilla, MD
Last Review Date: 2022 Oct 27
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