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Why Is My Migraine Always on the Left Side?

Jul 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, migraines that consistently occur on the left side may be caused by factors such as muscle tension in the left side of the head, increased sensitivity of blood vessels on the left side, inflammation of the left sinus, compression of the left trigeminal nerve, or abnormal vasomotor function of the cerebral blood vessels on the left side. If the pain occurs frequently, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, it is important to record the timing and triggers of migraine attacks to assist doctors in making a diagnosis.

　　In general, migraines that always occur on the left side may be caused by factors such as left-sided head muscle tension, high sensitivity of the left-side blood vessels, left-sided sinusitis, compression of the left trigeminal nerve, or abnormal vasomotor function of the left cerebral blood vessels. If the pain occurs frequently, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Left-sided Head Muscle Tension

　　Prolonged sleeping on the left side or exposure of the left head to cold may cause continuous contraction and tension of the left head muscles, triggering migraines, possibly accompanied by localized muscle stiffness. Adjusting sleeping posture and avoiding long-term pressure on the left side of the head is recommended; applying a warm towel compress to the left side of the head for 15-20 minutes can help relieve muscle tension; keeping the head warm and avoiding direct exposure to cold winds is also advised.

　　2. High Sensitivity of Left Vessels

　　Some individuals have heightened sensitivity of the left cerebral blood vessels to stimuli. When affected by factors such as emotional fluctuations or fatigue, abnormal vascular dilation or constriction may occur, causing migraines, often accompanied by dizziness. Maintaining emotional stability and avoiding excessive tension or anxiety is recommended; maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding staying up late, and reducing vascular stimulation are also advised; light physical activities such as walking may be performed regularly to improve vascular condition.

　　3. Left-sided Sinusitis

　　Inflammation of the left sinus can radiate to the left side of the head, causing migraines, possibly accompanied by nasal congestion and purulent nasal discharge. Patients should use medications such as budesonide nasal spray, cefaclor capsules, and eucalyptus oil soft capsules under a doctor's guidance to control inflammation and improve sinus drainage; exposure to dust and irritating gases should also be avoided to reduce sinus irritation.

　　4. Compression of the Left Trigeminal Nerve

　　Compression of the left trigeminal nerve by blood vessels or irritation from surrounding tissues can cause left-sided migraines, with severe pain potentially accompanied by facial numbness. Patients should take medications such as carbamazepine tablets, gabapentin capsules, and pregabalin capsules under a doctor's guidance to relieve pain caused by nerve irritation; prolonged bending of the head forward should be avoided to reduce the risk of nerve compression.

　　5. Abnormal Vasomotor Function of the Left Cerebral Blood Vessels

　　Abnormal vasomotor function of the left cerebral blood vessels may trigger migraines due to excessive vasoconstriction or vasodilation, possibly accompanied by blurred vision and nausea. Patients should take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, sumatriptan succinate tablets, and sodium naproxen tablets under a doctor's guidance to relieve pain; daily avoidance of beverages such as strong tea and coffee, which may trigger vascular abnormalities, is also advised.

　　In daily life, it is important to record the timing and triggers of migraine attacks to assist doctors in diagnosis; maintaining a light diet and avoiding foods that may trigger migraines, such as chocolate and cheese, is recommended; during attacks, rest in a quiet and dimly lit environment to alleviate discomfort.

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