According to Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, an acclaimed neurosurgeon in Mumbai known for his precision in diagnosing and treating complex neurological disorders, headaches that persist on one side should never be ignored, especially if they are accompanied by other warning signs.
He states,
“Not every headache is just stress. When pain lingers for days—especially on one side—it deserves attention.”
Understanding Left-Sided Headaches
Headaches can originate from several parts of the head—forehead, behind the eyes, neck, or one particular side. When the pain is consistently on the left, it gives doctors an important clue about the underlying issue.
There are two broad categories of headaches:
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- Primary headaches: These occur independently and are not caused by other medical conditions. Examples include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.
- Secondary headaches: These are symptoms of an underlying condition such as infection, injury, vascular problems, or even neurological disorders.
When the pain is localized—like a pain in left side of head for 3 days—it may help doctors narrow down the source. However, the location alone isn’t enough; other symptoms and history matter too.
Scroll on to learn about the potential causes of one-sided headaches.
Common Causes of a Headache on Left Side of Head for 3 Days
A pain in left side of the head for 3 days is often more than just a stress-related headache. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
Migraines
Migraines are a leading cause of persistent headache on one side of head, and they can last for several days if untreated. These headaches are usually accompanied by symptoms like:
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- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances (auras)
Cluster headaches
These are severe, recurring headaches that usually affect one side of the head, often around the eye. Though less common, cluster headaches are known for their intensity and can occur in clusters over days or weeks.
Tension-type headaches
These are generally bilateral, but can sometimes manifest more intensely on one side. They often result from stress, poor posture, or muscle strain in the neck and shoulders.
Sinus infections
A sinus infection or inflammation can cause localized pressure and pain on one side of the head, especially if the left sinus cavities are involved.
Cervicogenic headaches
These originate in the neck but radiate to the head. They often affect one side and can be triggered by neck injuries or cervical spine issues.
Neurological disorders
Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or occipital neuralgia can cause sharp, shooting pain on one side of the head due to nerve irritation or damage.
Vascular issues
Serious but rare causes include aneurysms or arterial dissections, which require immediate medical intervention.
Now, check out the symptoms that should not be taken lightly.
Symptoms to Watch For
A Left-Sided Headache for 3 Days is concerning enough—but when accompanied by the following symptoms, it’s time to take it seriously:
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- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Persistent vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- High fever with stiff neck
These symptoms could indicate neurological emergencies such as stroke, meningitis, or an intracranial bleed.
Identify the red flags and get help immediately.
When to See a Doctor
If your headache:
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- Has lasted for more than 48–72 hours
- Occurs only on one side, with no clear trigger
- Worsens over time
- Doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
…then it’s time to see a specialist.
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, a seasoned neurosurgeon in Mumbai, emphasizes that persistent unilateral headaches should never be ignored—especially if they represent a change in your usual headache pattern. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions, he provides advanced imaging and diagnostic evaluations to determine the root cause of prolonged headaches.
Read on to know about the treatments.
Treatment & Management Options
Depending on what’s causing your headache, here are some treatment options:
Medications
- Analgesics: Paracetamol, ibuprofen for general pain relief.
- Triptans: Used for migraine relief.
- Preventive medications: For chronic migraines or cluster headaches.
- Antibiotics: For sinus infections.
- Muscle relaxants or nerve blockers: In cases of neuralgia or cervicogenic headaches.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Stay hydrated
- Improve posture at work or while sleeping
- Take regular breaks from screen time
- Reduce stress with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
- Maintain a sleep routine
Neurological Evaluation
If symptoms persist or worsen, a deeper neurological assessment is needed. The doctor may use high-resolution brain imaging and neurological testing to rule out complex causes such as tumors or vascular issues.
Surgical or Advanced Interventions (If needed)
In rare cases where a tumor, AVM, or other structural issue is found, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney provides minimally invasive neurosurgical solutions, ensuring precision and faster recovery times.
Conclusion
A headache on left side of the head for 3 days is your body’s way of saying something isn’t quite right. While not every one-sided headache is an emergency, chronic or severe discomfort should never be ignored.
Whether it’s migraine, neuralgia, or a deeper neurological issue, early diagnosis and the right care can make all the difference. Trust the expertise of professionals like Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, a renowned neurosurgeon in Mumbai, who brings both cutting-edge medical knowledge and compassionate care to every case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are persistent headaches on one side a sign of something serious?
Sometimes. While they can be benign, persistent headache on one side of head can also signal neurological issues. It’s best to consult a doctor.
How long is too long for a one-sided headache to last?
Any headache that lasts more than 48–72 hours—especially when isolated to one side—should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious causes.
Can stress cause one-sided headaches?
Yes, tension-type headaches can sometimes be more intense on one side, especially when combined with poor posture and eye strain.
What tests help diagnose the cause of a headache?
MRI, CT scans, neurological exams, and in some cases, blood tests, are commonly used to identify the root cause.
Is a one-sided headache always related to a brain issue?
Not always. While some neurological issues can cause one-sided headaches, many cases are due to migraines, tension, or sinus problems, which are more common and treatable.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.