Forehead Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Forehead pain is a common symptom that can occur with colds, flu, or sinusitis, often caused by inflammation that increases pressure around the eyes and nose. It can also be related to tension headaches triggered by stress, fatigue, poor posture, or anxiety.

In some cases, forehead pain may be linked to tired eyes from prolonged screen use, migraines, or conditions such as high blood pressure. Less common but more serious causes include cluster headaches, temporal arteritis, or headaches that appear after an epidural.

Persistent or recurrent forehead pain usually requires medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, management may include pain relievers, migraine-specific medications, nasal sprays, lifestyle changes, or treatment of associated conditions like sinus infections or hypertension.

What could be causing forehead pain?

To figure out what's causing your forehead pain, select your symptoms below:

This symptoms quiz is just a tool and should not be used to diagnose any condition or replace a visit with your primary care provider.

Common causes

The most common causes of forehead pain are: 

1. Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause the muscles in your neck and shoulders to tighten, which may lead to a type of headache called a tension headache.

This type of headache is often mistaken for a migraine because it also causes intense pressure around the forehead. However, it doesn’t usually include other common migraine symptoms such as nausea, throbbing pain, or sensitivity to light.

What to do: This type of headache often improves when stress levels decrease, which can be helped by rest and relaxation. Drinking calming teas, such as chamomile, passionflower, or valerian, may also provide relief.

However, if the pain doesn’t improve with natural remedies, your provider may suggest taking medication such as acetaminophen or aspirin.

2. Tired eyes

Spending too much time using a computer, phone, or reading a book can lead to eye and forehead pain. These activities may also cause neck discomfort, itchy or watery eyes, blurry vision, and redness.

Conditions like glaucoma or ocular cellulitis can also cause forehead pain. 

What to do: To prevent eye strain, limit the amount of time you spend on computers and cell phones, and adjust your screen to a warmer (yellow) light, which is closer to natural sunlight and gentler on the eyes.

If you work at a computer, maintain good posture and keep an appropriate distance from the screen. Every hour, take a moment to look at something far away, and remember to blink often to keep your eyes properly moistened.

Artificial tears may also help, as well as eye exercises and massage. 

3. Migraines

Migraines cause symptoms like intense headaches that are constant and pulsating. They can be felt on the left or right side of the head, or radiate to the forehead and neck. Pain usually lasts anywhere between 3 and 72 hours, and can occur with symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light or sounds. 

What to do: A persistent migraine that does not improve easily should be evaluated promptly by a doctor to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment. In many cases, medications such as sumatriptan or ergotamine can help relieve symptoms. 

Migraines accompanied by nausea and intense vomiting can be treated with medications like metoclopramide. 

4. Cold and flu

Forehead pain can occur with a cold or flu due to inflammation in the nasal passages and airways. It often accompanies other symptoms like overall malaise, runny nose, coughing, and muscle aches.

Also recommended: Cold vs. Flu: How to Tell the Difference (Symptom Chart & Timeline) tuasaude.com/en/cold-vs-flu

What to do: In these cases, it is important to rest and take analgesics like acetaminophen to help relieve pain and discomfort. 

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. It often causes facial pain or heaviness, particularly around the forehead and cheekbones. Other common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, low grade fever, and fatigue.

What to do: According to the CDC,nasal irrigation with saline solution effectively relieves sinusitis headaches by draining the sinuses, clearing mucus, reducing congestion and inflammation, and easing pressure. Warm compresses on the face provide added comfort.

However, anyone with frequent sinusitis should also see a healthcare provider to identify the cause and start treatment with a specific sinusitis medication.

6. Cluster headaches

Although less common, cluster headaches, can cause sudden, intense pain in the forehead. This pain often radiates around the head, feeling like a tight ribbon or band, and strikes abruptly and severely. Attacks may last minutes to hours (or even days) and people often experience multiple episodes daily.

The specific cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood, but there appears to be a genetic link.

What to do: Cluster headaches usually require specific medications, such as sumatriptan, for relief. That's why it's important to see a doctor if you suspect you're having them.

7. Tension headaches

Tension headaches are typically caused by stiffness in the neck and back muscles. This stiffness often results from poor posture, stress, anxiety, or fatigue.

Tension headaches often cause a pressure-like sensation on both sides of the head and forehead. Additional symptoms include tenderness or sensitivity to touch in the shoulders, neck, and scalp.

What to do: To relieve a tension headache, try relaxation methods such as massage or a warm bath. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other techniques can also help to prevent tension headaches.

Medications like anti-inflammatories or analgesics may be indicated if tension headaches do not resolve with more conservative measures.

8. Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. These arteries run through the temple area, so when they swell, they can cause pain in the forehead.

Pain from temporal arteritis is intense and recurrent, often worsening with chewing or speaking. Additional symptoms often include vision changes and extreme fatigue. This condition primarily affects people over age 50 and is more common in Black people.

What to do: Because temporal arteritis is a recurring condition, it should be evaluated by a neurologist or a vascular specialist in order to develop a treatment plan to prevent frequent flare-ups. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids to relieve symptoms.

9. High blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause forehead pain, along with symptoms like double or blurred vision, drowsiness, pain at the back of the neck, and increased heart rate. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), uncontrolled high blood pressure may cause headaches and visual changes and increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications if not properly managed.

What to do: It's very important to monitor your blood pressure and take all medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Engaging in relaxing activities, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet are also crucial for controlling hypertension. 

10. Following an epidural

A headache after epidural anesthesia may develop a few hours or days after the anesthetic is given. It often resolves on its own within 2 weeks. The pain typically affects the forehead and back of the head but can also spread to the neck and shoulders.

What to do: Forehead headaches related to epidural anesthesia usually go away after a few weeks. However, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help relieve the headache more quickly.