"There are many things that can cause pain in the temples. Including mild ones such as migraines, to serious ones such as brain tumors.”
There are many types of headaches. One of them is felt at the temples. Like pain in other parts of the head, this condition can also be very disturbing. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of pain in the temples and how to treat them.
In most cases, pain in the temples can occur due to minor things. However, it can also be a sign of a serious illness. Check out the full discussion below!
Possible Causes of Pain in the Temples
Pain in the temples can be caused by a primary headache disorder or a secondary headache disorder, which occurs due to another health condition. Here are some possible causes:
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are characterized by pain like a tight band tied to the head. It can also cause tenderness in the muscles of the head and neck.
Treatment can be with adequate rest and taking pain medication. However, if it occurs frequently or is chronic, doctors usually recommend preventive treatment. For example with antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline as well as massage and relaxation therapy.
Migraine
Another cause of pain in the temples is a migraine. This pain usually starts on one side of the head, or radiates from the back of the head to the front, behind the eyes. Some people feel pain or pressure in their temples.
If migraine is the cause, some of the treatments that can be done are:
- Sleep, this can relieve mild migraine episodes.
- Analgesic and antiemetic drugs, such as metoclopramide and the combination drug Fioricet and Fiorinal.
- triptan medications, such as naratriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, and sumatriptan. However, people who have or are at risk of cardiac ischemia should not use this drug.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches can result from cervical spine abnormalities, injury to the neck, or inflammation of the joints of the upper spine. Symptoms can include pain on one side of the head or temple, stiff neck, nausea, blurred vision.
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches may include medication, regular exercise or exercise, and physical therapy. Other necessary treatment can be consulted with the doctor.
Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is also one of the causes of pain in the temples. This condition causes intense, burning, and throbbing pain. The pain tends to occur in the temples, although it can extend to the entire head.
Treatment for GCA is usually done by doctors by prescribing high doses of steroids, such as prednisone. This treatment is usually needed for 1 month until symptoms disappear. Then, the doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
Minor Traumatic Brain Injury
Minor traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow to the head. A person may feel this pain anywhere in the head, including the temples. Treatment is with adequate rest.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend undergoing exercise, relaxation, and reducing caffeine intake. Physical therapy can also help with tension headaches caused by this condition.
Cerebral Aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of an artery in the brain. If it ruptures, it causes a sudden and excruciating headache. Aneurysms can develop in any artery in the brain.
Symptoms can include severe headache, drowsiness, sensitivity to light, eye pain, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. The main treatment for an aneurysm is two types of surgery, namely:
- Open craniotomy, which involves using metal clips to prevent blood flow to the aneurysm.
- Endovascular coiling, which involves the insertion of a soft coil through a catheter to prevent the aneurysm from bursting.
Brain tumor
Another cause of pain in the temples is a brain tumor. This is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain, with symptoms ranging from headaches, nausea, seizures, to paralysis.
Doctors usually treat brain tumors by:
- Surgery. The neurosurgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the surrounding brain tissue.
- Radiation. It can shrink tumors by killing cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy. This can damage cancer cells.
Those are some of the possible causes of pain in the temples and their treatment. If you experience it, you should immediately consult a doctor.