What to do for severe one-sided head pain that occurs every week or two?

Based on your description, it sounds like you might be experiencing migraine headaches, particularly ones with a unilateral presentation. Migraines often present with severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. However, cluster headaches could also be a possibility, usually marked by severe pain around one eye, a sense of restlessness, and symptoms like redness or tearing. First, to narrow it down between these possibilities or other causes, consult a healthcare provider to conduct a thorough examination. They might suggest a neurological assessment or imaging to rule out other conditions. In terms of management, keeping a headache diary might be beneficial to identify potential triggers such as certain foods, stress, sleep disturbances, hormonal changes, or environmental factors. Avoiding these could reduce the frequency or severity of attacks. Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen may offer relief at the onset of a headache, but they’re not recommended for frequent use without medical advisement due to potential side effects. Prescription options like triptans might be appropriate for acute migraine treatment if the diagnosis confirms it. For preventive measures, especially if headaches are seriously impacting daily life, medications such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or lifestyle changes including regular exercise, stress management techniques, and ensuring adequate hydration and sleep can be helpful. If you’re experiencing any concerning signs like visual disturbances before the headache, sudden changes in headache pattern, or any neurological deficits, seek immediate medical attention as they could indicate a more urgent issue.