Feeling Like One Side of Your Head is Cold: Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Feeling like one side of your head is cold can be alarming. This unusual sensation may be caused by something as benign as temperature changes or sleeping in an awkward position. However, in some cases, feeling a cold sensation in the head can signal an underlying neurological issue like migraine or multiple sclerosis.

Potential Causes

Migraine Headache

Migraine headaches frequently have neurological symptoms preceding or accompanying the actual head pain. Many people with migraine report localized cold sensations on one side of the head, face, or neck. This one-sided cold feeling is likely related to abnormal firing of nerves in that area during the onset of a migraine attack.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering around nerve fibers. One of the most common early symptoms of MS is localized numbness or odd sensations like coldness. These sensory changes often initially affect just one side of the body. The face is also frequently involved with feelings of numbness or cold that come and go.

Poor Circulation

In some cases, feeling like one side of your head is cold can relate to circulatory issues. For example, sitting or sleeping in a way that compresses blood vessels on one side could temporarily reduce blood flow. Once pressure is relieved, normal circulation and warmth are restored.

Environmental Temperature Changes

Abrupt shifts in external temperatures can also produce odd unilateral sensations. If one side of your body or head is more exposed to a cold window or AC vent, you may experience localized cold feelings. Paying attention to these environmental factors and adjusting air flow or adding extra layers can help.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, brief or transient head cold sensations are not a major concern. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if you notice:

• Persistent or recurring head cold sensations that seem asymmetric (one-sided).
• Accompanying symptoms like headache, vision loss, numbness, dizziness, or weakness.
• The head cold feeling fails to resolve when warming up or changing positions.
• The localized cold sensation spreads to other parts of your face or body.

Reporting these red flag symptoms can help diagnose and manage more serious underlying conditions like migraine or a neurological disorder.

Medical Evaluation

To evaluate cold head sensations, your doctor will likely:

• Take your medical history, asking detailed questions about when, how often, and under what circumstances you experience head cold feelings.
• Conduct a physical exam, checking sensation, strength, reflexes and circulation in your face, head and neck.
• Order imaging or lab tests if any findings indicate an underlying condition may be involved.
• Refer you to a neurologist for specialized assessment if deemed appropriate.

Possible Diagnosis

Based on the clinical evaluation, your doctor may diagnose or suspect:

• Migraine: Recurrent head pain and neurological disturbances including one-sided cold head sensation.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Nerve damage from MS can provoke mixed numbness and cold feelings.
• Facial nerve dysfunction: Impaired firing of facial nerves may spark odd head sensations.
• Head trauma: Previous injury to head and neck can affect local circulation and nerves.
• Hypothyroidism: Thyroid problems may subtly reduce body temperature regulation.

Treatment Options

Treatment for head cold sensations depends on the underlying cause but may involve:

Migraine Management

If migraine headaches are triggering recurrent one-sided head cold feelings, treatment options may include:

• Prescription preventive drugs like propranolol or topiramate to reduce migraine attacks.
• Acute migraine medications such as triptans or anti-inflammatories for pain relief during attacks.
• Trigger avoidance including changes in diet, sleep, hydration or stress level.
• Alternative therapies like mindfulness, massage, acupuncture or supplements.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

For MS-related head cold sensations, treatment focuses on moderating disease activity and relieving symptoms such as:

• Disease modifying drugs to slow MS damage and disability progression.
• Steroid therapy to control inflammatory flares provoking symptoms.
• Medications for specific symptoms like cold extremity feelings or headache.
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy or adaptive devices to preserve function.

Lifestyle Changes

No matter the underlying cause for feeling like one side of your head is cold, certain lifestyle measures can provide relief including:

• Avoiding cold exposure or adding layers like a hat to maintain even warmth.
• Altering sleeping positions to prevent compression of head and neck blood vessels.
• Doing head and neck stretches or exercises to stimulate local circulation.
• Quitting smoking to optimize blood vessel function throughout the body.
• Managing associated health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Implementing healthy long-term habits provides the best chance of resolving odd head sensations and preventing recurrences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.