Pain Answer: That pouding sensation is due to the heart pumping blood through constricted blood vessels. More often noted in the sides of the head and int he eyes, the pounding and pulses of pain result when the blood forces its way through a restricted blood vessel, which is agitated. The increased pressure due to passing blood causes the surrounding nerves to fire and cause sensations of pain. The pain is synchronized with the pulse of blood, and results in a "pounding pain."