What are the symptoms of a temple headache? What causes a temple headache? How can a temple headache be treated? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Tension Headaches: A Common Cause of Temple Pain

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches that can cause pain in the temples. These headaches typically cause a dull, non-throbbing pain in the forehead, neck, or back of the head. Tension headaches are often rooted in the neck muscles at the base of the skull, and they can feel like your head is being pressed or squeezed.

Tension headaches can be episodic, occurring only occasionally when you’re under stress or tired, or they can be chronic, happening multiple times a week or even constantly. In most cases, you can treat a tension headache yourself by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Sometimes, a nap can also provide relief.

Migraine Headaches: Pulsating Pain in the Temples

Migraine headaches are another common cause of temple pain. While the symptoms of migraines can vary from person to person, a common starting point for the pulsating pain is the temples. The pain may spread to both temples, but it often stays on just one side of the head.

Other symptoms of a migraine can include fatigue, depression, or irritability before the pain starts, as well as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances like auras. Without treatment, a migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.

If you feel a migraine coming on, your doctor may recommend a nonprescription pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, along with caffeine. If that doesn’t help, you may need a stronger treatment plan, including prescription medications like triptans, ditans, or gepants.

Temporal Arteritis: A Serious Condition Requiring Medical Attention

Temporal arteritis is a condition that can also cause throbbing pain in the temples. Unlike a migraine, however, the temples are also tender to the touch, and the throbbing may be constant.

Temporal arteritis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the temporal arteries on the sides of the head become swollen, reducing blood flow to the eyes, brain, and other areas. Symptoms can also include low fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

To diagnose temporal arteritis, doctors will test your blood for an elevated sedimentation rate, which indicates inflammation. They may also recommend a biopsy of the artery to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves steroids to reduce the inflammation.

TMJ Disorders: Jaw Pain and Temple Pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also cause pain in the temples. TMJ is a condition that affects the muscles and joints in the jaw, leading to pain in the temples, jaw, neck, and other areas involved in chewing.

Symptoms of TMJ include pain in the temples, pain in any part of the head that involves chewing (such as the jaw or neck), clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and changes in how your teeth fit together.

Your doctor or dentist can diagnose TMJ. Sometimes, the condition goes away without treatment, but if the pain persists, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or even arthroscopic surgery.

Identifying the Cause of Temple Headaches

When you have a headache in your temples, it’s important to try to identify the underlying cause. Is it a tension headache, a migraine, temporal arteritis, or TMJ? Knowing the type of headache can help you determine the best course of treatment.

If your temple headaches are recurring or persistent, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. They can perform tests and examinations to help diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.

Effective Treatments for Temple Headaches

The treatment for a temple headache will depend on the underlying cause. For tension headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers and rest can often provide relief. For migraines, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.

For more serious conditions like temporal arteritis, prompt medical treatment is critical to prevent complications like vision problems or stroke. And for TMJ-related temple pain, a combination of treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and even surgery, may be required.

No matter the cause, if your temple headaches are persistent or severe, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can help you identify the underlying issue and develop an effective treatment plan to provide you with much-needed relief.