Acute temple pain can often be annoying and disorienting, and this type of pain can range from mild discomfort to a severe sensation that affects daily activities.
The Spanish magazine “La Vida Lucida” says in a report that the causes of this pain are multiple and range from simple problems to serious medical conditions. In this article, we explore the possible causes of temple pain, to help you better understand what could be happening in your body.
Possible causes of severe temple pain
Acute temple pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign conditions to serious medical problems:
- tension headache
Tension headaches are one of the most common causes of temple pain. This type of headache is characterized by a feeling of pressure or tension around the head, especially in the forehead and temples, and can be caused by stress, anxiety, fatigue, or poor posture.
2. Migraine
A migraine is a severe headache that often affects one side of the head, including the temple. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be triggered by certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, and lack of sleep.
3. Sinusitis
Sinusitis sometimes causes pain in the temple, especially if the frontal sinuses are affected. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, and facial pain. Sinusitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection or allergies.
4. Temporomandibular joint disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder can cause pain in the temple due to tension in the jaw muscles. This disorder can be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), poor jaw alignment, or jaw injuries.
5. Trigeminal neuralgia
The magazine explained that trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition that causes severe pain in the face, including the temple. This pain can result from everyday activities such as chewing, talking, or even touching your face. Therefore, the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not always clear, but it may be related to pressure on the nerve.
6. Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis is an inflammation of the arteries, especially in the head, that can cause severe pain in the temples. Other symptoms include scalp tenderness, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. The condition is more common in people over the age of 50 and requires immediate medical treatment to prevent serious complications, such as vision loss.
7. Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can manifest physically in a number of ways, including temple pain. Muscle tension and high blood pressure associated with stress can contribute to this type of pain.
8. Vision problems
Eye strain, due to uncorrected vision problems, such as the need for glasses, can cause temple pain. This pain often worsens after long periods of reading, using computers, or any activity that requires intense visual concentration.
9. Drought
Dehydration can cause headaches, including temple pain. When the body doesn’t get enough water, it can affect blood flow and pressure, which can lead to headaches.
10. Brain aneurysm
In rare cases, severe temple pain may be a sign of a brain aneurysm, which is an enlargement of a blood vessel in the brain. An aneurysm can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Other symptoms may include blurry vision, neck stiffness, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
When should you seek medical attention?
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe temple pain accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- sudden severe headache
- vision changes
- Loss of consciousness
- confusion or difficulty speaking
- high temperature
- stiff neck
If you experience recurring or severe temple pain, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Tracking your symptoms, identifying potential triggers, and adopting healthy habits can help you manage and prevent this type of pain.