Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
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.
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Temple Headache Causes
Secondary headache disordersare less common, occurring as a result of another health condition. Some secondary conditions require medical attention.Causes of secondary temple headaches include:
Dehydrationalone can be a cause of temple headaches. It often makes primary headache disorders and other underlying conditions dependent on fluid balance worse.
Here’s 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.
If headaches occur 15 or more days a month it is considered a chronic headache disorder. Migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches can all become chronic, as can a condition called “chronic daily headache.”
Tension headaches may occur rarely or frequently. For an isolated tension headache, OTC pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) usually treat the pain.
When frequent, tension headaches may be diagnosed as chronic headaches. Your healthcare provider may recommend antidepressant treatment (e.g., amitriptyline) to lessen headache episodes and/or stronger pain medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),lifestyle changes, massage therapy, and otherrelaxation techniquesmay also be advised to help deal with ongoing stress.
Migraine
Migrainesare a common cause of pain and pressure in the temple, often causing severe and debilitating symptoms. Attacks recur and last anywhere from four to 72 hours and usually affect only one side of the head. The most common symptoms of this neurological disorder include:
If you suffer from temple pain due to migraines, be aware of the followingtriggers:
Migraines can be difficult to manage, and there’s no outright cure for the condition. In addition to standard approaches to headache problems, such as relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes, therapies include:
Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritisis a condition that causes inflammation and swelling in one of the two temporal arteries on either side of your head. Also called “giant cell arteritis,” it disrupts blood circulation in the region, which can cause:
Temporal arteritis is amedical emergencythat can cause permanent blindness.
Temporal Arteritis and the EyesTemporal arteritis can sometimes interrupt blood flow to the eyes, affecting vision. This can lead to sudden onset of blurry or double vision and can even cause blindness in one or both eyes.
Temporal Arteritis and the Eyes
Temporal arteritis can sometimes interrupt blood flow to the eyes, affecting vision. This can lead to sudden onset of blurry or double vision and can even cause blindness in one or both eyes.
In addition to symptom management, temporal arteritis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation surrounding the temporal artery. Generally,oral corticosteroidssuch as prednisone are prescribed first, with another drug, Actemra (tocilizumab), added on. Actemra is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker that blocks an inflammatory protein. It helps achieve remission faster.
This therapy is generally prolonged—taking one to two years—and can affect bone health and make them more brittle. Depending on many factors, treatments may be given to maintain bone health.
Cervicogenic Headache
The result of nerve compression in the neck due to injury, malformation, orarthritisin the upper spine (or “cervical spine”),cervicogenicheadaches cause symptoms on one side of the body. Along with pain in the temples, this can cause:
If cervicogenic headaches aren’t treated, they can become more severe and debilitating.
Try applying a warm compress or a heating pad to your neck. OTC pain relievers may help take the edge off.
Physical therapy in the form of delicate and graded muscle stretching andmanual cervical tractionis the initial treatment for cervicogenic headaches. 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 joint—calledTMJ disorders. While their symptoms often last only a short while or resolve on their own, some cases lead to chronic problems. The signs of this condition include:
Multiple factors are considered whentreating TMJ dysfunction.
Most cases of TMJ are short-term and resolve on their own or with at-home treatments like hot and cold packs, over-the-counter medications, diet and lifestyle changes.
For more severe or chronic TMJ, treatments like prescription medication, dental appliances, and physical therapy may be warranted. Surgical interventions are an option but are rarely needed.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, fungal, or other kinds of infections affecting the brain, sinuses, and ears can also cause pressure and pain in the temples. Temple headaches are seen in:
Treatment will depend on what is causing theinfection.
In infections with viral causes, treatment will focus on easing the symptoms until the infection clears up on its own, usually within three to 14 days. This includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking OTC medications.
If an infection is bacterial, antibiotics will be prescribed along with getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking OTC medications as needed to help relieve symptoms like pain or fever.
Tumor
Brain tumorscan also form without causing any pain or discomfort, as the brain cells may not register pain. 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. The treatment is tailored to the type and size of the tumor, its location in the brain, and the number of tumors.
Treatmentmay consist of a single surgery or may involve repeated interventions if the tumor is known to be aggressive or if it recurs.
Symptoms of Temple Headaches
When the temples are affected, signs include:
Tracking SymptomsIf you experience temple headaches regularly, keep track of when the pain begins, any other symptoms, any medications you are taking, and dietary and other factors that may influence your pain. Noting other symptoms that accompany your temple pain can be a clue to what is causing them.
Tracking Symptoms
If you experience temple headaches regularly, keep track of when the pain begins, any other symptoms, any medications you are taking, and dietary and other factors that may influence your pain. 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 what’s causing them. When they arise due to another condition, such as an infection, the symptoms resolve when the health condition improves. If it is a primary headache disorder, it may require managing the condition to reduce the frequency of temple headaches rather than eliminating them.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While most headaches don’t require hospitalization, it’s important to know the signs that you need help. You should call 911 if:
You should also consider getting help if you are experiencing frequent symptoms or your headaches are debilitating.
Summary
Temple headaches are a common type of headache that can occur for a variety of reasons. They can be felt in one or both temples in the form of pain, tenderness, pressure, dull achiness, or intense throbbing.
Treatments vary depending on the cause but usually consist of various lifestyle changes, such as getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Sometimes, headaches can be managed with OTC pain relievers, rescue or preventive medicines, biofeedback, or neurostimulation.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med. 2018 Jan;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Headache pain: when to worry, what to do.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-zNational 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.Penn Medicine.Temporal arteritis.Page P.Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 6(3):254–266.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.TMD (temporomandibular disorders).The TMJ Association.Medications.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.MedlinePlus.Viral infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: could it be a brain tumor?Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What’s 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.Additional ReadingMayans L, Walling A.Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies.Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(4):243-251.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med. 2018 Jan;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Headache pain: when to worry, what to do.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-zNational 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.Penn Medicine.Temporal arteritis.Page P.Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 6(3):254–266.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.TMD (temporomandibular disorders).The TMJ Association.Medications.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.MedlinePlus.Viral infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: could it be a brain tumor?Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What’s 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.Additional ReadingMayans L, Walling A.Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies.Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(4):243-251.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med. 2018 Jan;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Headache pain: when to worry, what to do.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-zNational 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.Penn Medicine.Temporal arteritis.Page P.Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 6(3):254–266.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.TMD (temporomandibular disorders).The TMJ Association.Medications.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.MedlinePlus.Viral infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: could it be a brain tumor?Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What’s 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.
Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med. 2018 Jan;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Headache pain: when to worry, what to do.
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.
Penn Medicine.Temporal arteritis.
Page P.Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 6(3):254–266.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
The TMJ Association.Medications.
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.
MedlinePlus.Viral infections.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: could it be a brain tumor?
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What’s 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.
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