Rarely, a throbbing headache may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition, such as a stroke (a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain) or blood vessel tear in the neck.
This article focuses on the common symptoms, causes, and treatment of a throbbing headache. It also provides insight into when to seek medical attention for your headache.
Symptoms of a Throbbing Headache
The symptoms that may accompany a throbbing headache depend on the cause of the headache.
Examples of such possible symptoms include:
Nausea and/or vomitingSensitivity to light, sound, or smellRestlessnessCranial autonomic symptoms (e. g. , facial flushing, eye redness and tearing, and stuffy nose)Mood or thinking disturbances (e. g. , anxiety or problems concentrating)Scalp tendernessJaw claudication (pain when chewing)
Causes of a Throbbing Headache
Primary headache disorders exist on their own, whereas secondary headaches are caused by an underlying health-related issue, such as illness or drug withdrawal.
Primary headache disorders that may cause throbbing head pain include:
Migraine headaches usually occur on one side of the head, are often aggravated by movement, and may be preceded by an aura (reversible visual or sensory disturbances). Cluster headaches are less likely than migraines to cause throbbing pain. If they do, the pain is typically severe and is centered in or around the eye or temple on one side of the head.
Several secondary headache disorders may cause throbbing head pain.
Three common examples are:
Caffeine withdrawal headaches usually occur on both sides of the head and develop within 24 hours after regular consumption of caffeine (around two cups of coffee per day for more than two weeks). Hangover headaches tend to occur on both sides of the head, especially on the forehead and/or the temples. They can develop within 12 hours of consuming alcohol. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a form of vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation) that affects large and medium-sized arteries in the head and neck. It’s typically only seen in adults over the age of 50. The throbbing headache of GCA is classically felt over both temples.
How to Treat a Throbbing Headache
The treatment of a throbbing headache depends on the underlying diagnosis.
Primary Headaches
A mild migraine headache can usually be eased with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Aleve (naproxen sodium) or Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). More severe or persistent migraine headaches may require a triptan.
Lifestyle behaviors play an important role in migraine management. Notably, avoiding triggers (e.g., strong smells, too much or not enough sleep, and hunger) is paramount to most patients’ migraine treatment plans.
Cluster headaches are treated by either inhaling oxygen or injecting or inhaling a triptan like Imitrex (sumatriptan). Smoking cessation and avoiding heavy alcohol intake are also usually advised.
Secondary Headaches
Hangover headaches resolve on their own within 72 hours. In the meantime, they can be soothed with a combination of ibuprofen, rest, and drinking lots of fluids.
A caffeine withdrawal headache will also resolve on its own, but it can take up to a week of not taking in caffeine.
If you think you may be experiencing a caffeine withdrawal headache, it’s probably best to go ahead and drink a cup of coffee (or something else that is equivalent to around 100 milligrams of caffeine). This should relieve your headache within an hour.
Giant cell arteritis is treated with high doses of corticosteroids, which are strong anti-inflammatory medications.
Complications Associated With a Throbbing Headache
Complications are health problems that can arise as a result of a headache disorder.
As an example, migraine is associated with the following rare complications:
Migraine-triggered seizure: Uncontrolled brain electrical activity during a migraine with aura Migrainous infarction: One or more migraine aura symptoms associated with an ischemic stroke, which is when the brain’s blood supply is cut off
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a Throbbing Headache?
Most migraine headaches are diagnosed with a medical history and neurological exam. Imaging or other diagnostic tests are not typically needed.
If your exam is abnormal or your healthcare provider suspects a cluster headache, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain will be performed.
The diagnosis of a hangover headache or caffeine withdrawal headache usually only requires a careful medical history.
The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis typically involves the following tests:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate): This blood test is for a marker of inflammation. Temporal artery biopsy: A tiny tissue sample of the artery in your temple is removed and examined under a microscope
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most throbbing headaches are not worrisome. However, sometimes, a throbbing headache is the only or first sign of something serious going on.
Be sure to see a healthcare provider in the following situations:
Your headache pattern is changing (e. g. , headaches occur more often). You have a headache and are pregnant, just gave birth, or have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system. You are 65 years old or older and are experiencing a headache that feels different from prior headaches. Your headache is triggered by sneezing, coughing, or exercising. You are experiencing rebound headaches from taking painkillers regularly.
Summary
A throbbing headache feels like a pulsating sensation within your brain and has many potential causes, including a migraine, hangover, or caffeine withdrawal. A blood vessel inflammatory disease called giant cell arteritis may cause a throbbing headache in older individuals.
You have a sudden headache that becomes severe within a few seconds or minutes. You have a headache and a fever/stiff neck, painful red eye, seizure, fainting, or symptoms of a stroke. You develop a headache after a blow or injury to your head.
Treatment of a throbbing headache depends on the underlying diagnosis and usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle strategies.
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing throbbing headaches, cannot pinpoint the underlying culprit or trigger, or are having trouble getting control of them, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a headache specialist.
Obtaining the correct diagnosis is key to devising a headache treatment and prevention plan that is uniquely effective and safe for you.
A throbbing headache from caffeine withdrawal can be eased by consuming 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to one cup of coffee.
