Temple headache pain or tenderness can have several potential causes.
Pain can result from common issues like muscle tension, migraines, andtemporomandibularjoint (TMJ) disorders.
Temple headaches can also be linked to more serious conditions, such as a brain tumor.
JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images
Often, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are effective against the pain.
It often makes primary headache disorders and other underlying conditions dependent on fluid balance worse.
Heres a quick overview of the most common causes of temple headaches.
Tension Headache
Tension headachesare the most common cause of pressure and pain in your temples.
These headaches cause dull, non-throbbing pain, usually on both sides of the head.
They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week.
Treatment
Tension headaches may occur rarely or frequently.
When frequent, tension headaches may be diagnosed as chronic headaches.
Attacks recur and last anywhere from four to 72 hours and usually affect only one side of the head.
However, migraines can be set off by triggers which vary from person to person.
In addition to symptom management, temporal arteritis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation surrounding the temporal artery.
Actemra is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker that blocks an inflammatory protein.
It helps achieve remission faster.
This therapy is generally prolongedtaking one to two yearsand can affect bone health and make them more brittle.
Depending on many factors, treatments may be given to maintain bone health.
Try applying a warm compress or a heating pad to your neck.
OTC pain relievers may help take the edge off.
If this is ineffective, a steroid or anesthetic injection into the neck may be recommended.
Biofeedback, relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy have also been examined as therapeutic options.
Surgery is the last option when other treatments fail.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Thetemporomandibularjoint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw.
A range of conditions can cause dysfunction and pain at this jointcalledTMJ disorders.
The signs of this condition include:
Multiple factors are considered whentreating TMJ dysfunction.
Surgical interventions are an option but are rarely needed.
Temple headaches are seen in:
Treatment will depend on what is causing theinfection.
This includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking OTC medications.
The headaches and other symptoms arise once tumor growth impacts nerves and vessels in and around the temples.
Abrain tumorrequires surgical treatment and sometimes chemotherapy or radiation.
Noting other symptoms that accompany your temple pain can be a clue to what is causing them.
Treatment for Temple Headaches
Getting rid of temple headaches will depend on whats causing them.
Although it’s rare, temple headaches can also be because of a tumor.
Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med.
Arca KN, Halker Singh RB.Dehydration and Headache.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(8):56.
Published 2021 Jul 15. doi:10.1007/s11916-021-00966-z
National Headache Foundation.The complete headache chart.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Headache.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.
Mayans L, Walling A.Acute migraine headache: treatment strategies.Am Fam Physician.2018;97(4):243-251.
Page P.Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management.Int J Sports Phys Ther.
6(3):254266.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus Infection Basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear Infection Basics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: could it be a brain tumor?
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Whats that constant headache pain in the temples?
Karl HW, Trescot AM.Nerve entrapment headaches at the temple: zygomaticotemporal and/or auriculotemporal nerve?.Pain Physician.
2019;22(1):E15-E36.
MedlinePlus.Headaches: Danger signs.
Mayans L, Walling A.Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies.Am Fam Physician.
2018;97(4):243-251.