Location of Headache - a diagnostic clue?

Whether the top, side, front or back of head, the location of headache can be helpful when trying to make a headache diagnosis.

In general terms, the following are true:

• Pain in back of the head is usually due to cervicogenic headache, especially if on one side only
• Pain on the top of the head, if over both sides is often tension-type headache, especially if a pressure-type pain
• Pain over the front of the head, especially if over one eye is often due to migraine. In migraine the pain is usually throbbing and accompanied by nausea
• Sharp brief head pains that occur in a different location each time are often ice-pick headaches

More detail on each Headache Location

1. Back of Head
2. Pain on Side of Head
3. Temple Headaches
4. Pain Behind Ear
5. Pain in Eye
6. Face Pain
7. Top of Head Pain


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