HFD Team Pain located behind the eyebrows can present itself as a low-grade ache or a sharp, pulsating pain. Some may describe pain around the brow bone, while others report pain deeper, behind their eyes. This pain may be related to sinus congestion, muscle tension, or, in some cases, a disorder such as glaucoma. Knowing what type of problem you have helps guide your treatment.
1. Sinus Pressure or Infection
Your frontal sinuses are located just above your eyes. When they become obstructed or inflamed, pressing on these sinuses will cause sensitivity and pain above the eyebrow in question. As pressure builds up in your frontal sinuses, sensitivity, heaviness, and possibly mild swelling can develop.
Usually, pain of this nature will be intensified with a forward bend or when lying flat. Sometimes, steam inhalation, fluids, and saline rinses will help. However, if one of the symptoms persists longer than one week, or if you develop a fever, you may need medical evaluation for potential sinusitis.
2. Eye Strain and Fatigue
Staring at screens for prolonged periods can cause eyebrow pain or pain on the edge of the eyebrow. With prolonged fatigue of the muscles controlling eye movement, a dull tightness is created at or near the brow bone.
Take frequent breaks from the screens (20-20-20 rule), use proper ambient lighting to alleviate fatigue, and pay attention to your body posture. If the strain persists, consider updating your vision.
3. Tension Headache
A tension headache can feel like pressure along your forehead or pain just above the right eyebrow. Stress, dehydration, and skipping meals are common triggers.
Relaxation exercises, hydration, and gentle stretches often lead to rapid headache relief.
4. Sinus Pain vs. Migraine — How to Tell the Difference
It can be helpful to understand that this is a frequently searched question regarding pain behind the eyebrows, as many people mistake sinus headaches for migraines because both produce pain in a similar location.
| Feature | Sinus Pain | Migraine Pain |
| Location | Above or behind eyebrows, cheeks | One side of head or behind one eye |
| Other Symptoms | Stuffy nose, pressure, fever | Nausea, light or sound sensitivity |
| Pain Type | Constant, dull, pressure-like | Pulsating, throbbing, intense |
| Trigger | Infection, allergies | Hormonal, stress, foods |
| Response | Improves with decongestants | Needs migraine medication |
If your pain above eyebrow when touched occurs with nasal congestion or worsens when bending forward, it’s likely sinus-related. If it’s throbbing, one-sided, and worsens with light, migraine is more likely.
Identifying this difference helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics and choose the right relief method.
5. Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Glaucoma brow pain happens when excessive pressure builds up in the eyes, resulting in injury to the optic nerve. Patients may experience as if they have deep pain behind their eyebrow, often accompanied by sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or halos around lights at night.
In these instances, you must seek medical treatment right away, as you may risk losing your vision without treatment.
6. Nerve Pain or Neuralgia
Irritated or pinched nerves can produce sudden pain in the eyebrow area or shooting sensations above the eyebrow when pressed on. This condition is called supraorbital neuralgia and may occur after an injury or infection. Treatments tend to be warm compresses and prescription medication.
7. When to Seek Medical Help
If you are experiencing the following, you should see a doctor:
- Pain that continues for more than a few days
- Changes in your vision or redness of your eye
- Pain that is severe, one-sided, or associated with nausea
- If you have swelling, fever, or tenderness over your sinuses
8. Prevention Tips
- Blink often while using screens.
- Stay hydrated and well-rested.
- Avoid overusing nasal sprays.
- Manage stress through breathing exercises.
- Get routine eye check-ups.
Final Thoughts
Pain behind the eyebrows is common but can signal different conditions — sinus pressure, migraine, eye strain, or glaucoma. The key is recognizing the pattern of pain and associated symptoms.
Knowing whether it’s sinus-related or migraine-based helps you act faster and feel better sooner.