Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Pain On The Left Side Of The Head?
Question: I am a 49 year old female. I have been on a very high protein low carb diet for about 7 days and started exercising every day. About three days ago I started with pain on the left side of my head in the back/side - it's throbbing - it feels like someone hit me with a hammer. No other symptoms except for this excruciating pain - I don't remember ever getting a headache like this - it's constant but I have no problem sleeping but as soon as I get out of bed it's back.
Brief Answer:
Possible muscle pain or due to low blood sugar
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear ! Thank you for posting your query.
I read your question carefully and i can understand your concern .
Here is what I think it's about --
It could be a tension pain ( muscle or stress) or due to low blood sugar since you are following a low carb diet.
Usually muscular pain, gets better after you use painkillers Advil (you've mentioned that you used it , but you did not mention if it worked for your pain, please let me know this).
This type of pain changes in intensity and location when you put pressure on the area . In this case, the treatment would be round the clock painkillers only, warm compresses and gentle massage, avoid exercises that require vigorous head movements.
In the case of low sugar, consuming sugary drinks will make the pain go away .
Can also be due to High blood pressure- you can check your blood pressures serial readings to see if it's high.
If the pain gets worse and doesn't go away or you start experiencing other symptoms you need to go to a local physician for a detailed physical examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Hope I have answered your question.
Let me know for any further clarifications, I will be glad to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu.
Possible muscle pain or due to low blood sugar
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear ! Thank you for posting your query.
I read your question carefully and i can understand your concern .
Here is what I think it's about --
It could be a tension pain ( muscle or stress) or due to low blood sugar since you are following a low carb diet.
Usually muscular pain, gets better after you use painkillers Advil (you've mentioned that you used it , but you did not mention if it worked for your pain, please let me know this).
This type of pain changes in intensity and location when you put pressure on the area . In this case, the treatment would be round the clock painkillers only, warm compresses and gentle massage, avoid exercises that require vigorous head movements.
In the case of low sugar, consuming sugary drinks will make the pain go away .
Can also be due to High blood pressure- you can check your blood pressures serial readings to see if it's high.
If the pain gets worse and doesn't go away or you start experiencing other symptoms you need to go to a local physician for a detailed physical examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Hope I have answered your question.
Let me know for any further clarifications, I will be glad to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
