Why Does Eating on the Left Side Cause Head Pain Near the Eye? TMJ & Trigeminal Neuralgia Explained

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. Symptoms can include pain in the jaw, face, or ear, as well as headaches, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty chewing. TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, and stress.

Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. Symptoms include severe pain on one side of the face, which can be triggered by eating, talking, or brushing the teeth. Trigeminal neuralgia is thought to be caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve.

Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in clusters, which can last for days or weeks. Symptoms include pain on one side of the head, around the eye, which can be accompanied by tearing, redness, and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches are thought to be caused by a dysfunction in the hypothalamus, which is a region of the brain that controls sleep, body temperature, and hunger.

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located around the nose and eyes. Symptoms can include facial pain and pressure, headache, nasal congestion, and fever. Sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, colds, and flu.

If you are experiencing pain on the left side of your mouth and skull near your eye, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.