Frontal headaches are a common symptom among adults and children. Headaches may occur infrequently, episodically or persistently, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Common causes of frontal headaches include sinus and eye problems and tension in the head and neck musculature. Treatment of frontal headache varies according to the condition that triggers this symptom.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a condition caused by inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining of the air-filled paranasal sinuses, located in the facial and skull bones. The paired frontal sinuses are located in the forehead bone near the nasal side of the eyebrows. Sinusitis of the frontal sinuses can cause headaches and a sensation of pressure localized to the forehead. The headache may affect one or both sides of the forehead, depending on involvement of the underlying sinuses. Pain associated with frontal sinusitis characteristically worsens when lying down or bending forward, and is generally worst upon awakening.
Nasal rinses and breathing warm moist air from a vaporizer or while showering often lessens frontal sinusitis pressure and headache, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and decongestants also typically provide pain relief.
Eyestrain
Eyestrain is a common cause of frontal headaches. Strain may occur due to lengthy periods of performing close work, prolonged intervals of computer work and uncorrected refractive errors, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia--age-related difficulty focusing on near images. In a 2008 article published in the Journal of AAPOS, Dr. Arsen Akinci and colleagues reported significant correlations between astigmatism, unequal vision in the eyes and miscorrection of refractive errors and the occurrence of headaches. The authors noted that the correlation between headache and refractive errors is strongest among children. Frontal headaches associated with eyestrain typically cause other eye-related symptoms, including eye redness and dryness, blurred vision, difficulty focusing and eyelid heaviness, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are the most common form of headache, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. These headaches frequently occur in response to emotionally charged situations, excessive stress, depression, sleep deprivation, sleep apnea and anxiety. Physical conditions such as neck strain, temporomandibular joint abnormalities and arthritis of the neck often contribute to tension headaches.
Tension headaches typically cause a constant dull ache and pressure sensation across the forehead, which may extend to the temples. In some cases, pain encircles the head. Scalp tenderness and light sensitivity may accompany the pain of tension headaches. Treatment typically involves identification and correction of factors that trigger tension headaches. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin often provide pain relief.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery: Sinus Headaches
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinus Headache
- Pedbase: Recurrent Headache
- Journal of AAPOS; The Correlation between Headache and Refractive Errors; Arsen Akinci, M.D., et al.; June 2008
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Eyestrain
