What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Temporal Arteritis
Headache is the most common symptom. You may have severe and throbbing pain in one or both of your temples. Your temporal arteries may also be enlarged or bulging. You may also have any of the following:
- Fever, cough, and body discomfort or weakness
- Jaw, tongue, or throat pain when you chew or talk
- Loss of appetite or unusual weight loss
- Pain or stiffness in your shoulders, hips, or legs, especially in the morning
- Tenderness of the scalp when it is touched, or when you comb your hair or wear glasses
- Sweating more than usual, especially at night
What Types Of Things Can I Do To Help Alleviate My Headaches
For both tension and migraine headaches, I usually tell patients to think about some of the triggers that may be causing their pain. We can then work backward and make changes that help prevent or alleviate the pain.
Some prevention techniques you can try during social distancing include:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Adopt a regular workout routine.
Act like a scientist and track your behaviors. On the day your headache occurred, did you drink too little water? Did you eat a certain combination of foods? Was your sleep schedule interrupted? Looking for patterns then making small changes can often help you overcome your pain.
How To Get Rid Of A Headache In Your Temple
There are many effective ways to help get rid of a left-sided temple headache quickly. Here are some quick suggestions for what to do if the left side of your head hurts.
- A warm or cool compress pressed against your left temple can help to soothe pain in your head. This helps to relieve irritation and inflammation and can make your headache go away quicker.
- Take a relaxing bath to help ease tension from your shoulders, upper neck, or sinuses. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath can help alleviate temple pain and anxiety.
- Taking a nap can help to relax your brain and get rid of a headache quickly. This is especially useful if lack of sleep has caused your tension headache.
- Eat something to help boost your blood sugar levels and give your brain more energy to function better.
- Use pain relievers.
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What Other Symptoms May Accompany Your Headache Depending On The Underlying Cause
Dry eyes are a very common problem. In this condition, the eyes will feel itchy, you will often suffer a burning sensation in your eyes, and the pain is sharp and stabbing. Artificial tears, or eye drops, are the general treatment for dry eyes. They can be found in any drug store or grocery store and do not require a prescription. Some patients, however, require a medical procedure to block the tear duct openings, so the liquid stays in the eye longer. If you often have dry eyes, be sure to see a doctor.
Sinusitis is an uncomfortable inflammation of the sinuses. The pain people with sinusitis experience is sharp and severe and gets worse with movements of the head. You will also experience cold-like symptoms. The best diagnosis is done by a CT scan, but a doctor can usually diagnose sinusitis with a thorough physical exam. The treatment includes antibiotics.
Orbital inflammatory syndrome is a condition which affects the muscles of the eye socket. It is diagnosed with a CT scan and cured with steroids. Scleritis is usually associated with another condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or shingles. The symptoms include red eyes and pain.
Optic neuritis affects the nerve and the muscles in the eye and is characterized by blurred vision and problems in color perception. Cranial nerve palsies are more present in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to headache and eye pain, the symptoms include double vision.
Can Sinus Infection Cause Temple Pain
The extra pressure caused by your sinus inflammation can result in sinus pain /headache felt in the forehead, behind /around the eyes, or sometimes in the temple depending on the sinuses that are affected. Interestingly, headache in people with sinus infection can also be attributed by something else .
Many people think that their sinus congestion and pain are responsible for their headache. But more often than not, the answer is just a regular old headache.
How you can tell the difference? The following are facts about types of headache that have nothing to do with sinus infection:
There are also less common types of headaches, which only affect about 1 % of the population. Although they are not common, they may link to particular conditions which some could be dangerous or even life-threatening.
If your temple pain signals a true sinus headache, its usually characterized by the following symptoms:
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Symptoms Of Temporal Arteritis
As mentioned, pain in the right temple is one of the more recurrent symptoms of temporal arteritis, but its far from the only one. As the artery swells and blood supply gets restricted, you can expect to see at least some of the following symptoms appear:
- Pain in the right temple and the eye
- Pain in the right temple and the ear
- Jaw pain that may worsen when chewing
- Throbbing or stabbing headache in the right temple
- Fatigue
- Tenderness in the temple or scalp
- Double vision
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
Temporal arteritis sometimes occurs in patients who have been given large doses of antibiotics during severe infections. Other possible causes of temporal arteritis include autoimmune reactions, genetics, polymyalgia rheumatica and age.
What Causes A Headache
The exact cause of headaches is not completely understood. It is thought that many headaches are the result of tight muscles and dilated, or expanded, blood vessels in the head. Although migraine headaches were previously thought to be due to dilated blood vessels in the brain, newer theories suggest that changes in brain chemicals or electrical signaling may be involved. Other headaches may be caused by an alteration in the communication between parts of the nervous system that relay information about pain, coming from the area of the head, face, and neck. Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality are often the cause of chronic headaches. Occasionally, there is an actual problem in the brain, such as a tumor or malformation of the brain, although this is rare.
The way a child exhibits a headache may be related to many factors, such as genetics, hormones, stress, diet, medications, and dehydration. Recurrent headaches of any type can cause school problems, behavioral problems, and/or depression.
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Symptoms Of A Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches begin quickly and without warning. The pain is very severe and is often described as a sharp, burning or piercing sensation on one side of the head.
It’s often felt around the eye, temple and sometimes face. It tends to affect the same side for each attack.
People often feel restless and agitated during an attack because the pain is so intense, and they may react by rocking, pacing or banging their head against the wall.
You may also get 1 or more of the following symptoms:
- a red and watering eye
- drooping and swelling of 1 eyelid
- a smaller pupil in 1 eye
- a sweaty face
- a blocked or runny nostril
The attacks generally last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, and typically occur between 1 and 8 times a day.
How Is Temporal Arteritis Diagnosed
- A biopsy may be needed to remove a small part of your temporal arteries. The tissue will then be sent to a lab for tests.
- Blood tests may show signs of inflammation.
- A CT scan, MRI, or angiography may be done to take pictures of your temporal arteries. Angiography may show swelling and narrowing of your blood vessels. You may be given contrast dye to help the arteries show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A Doppler ultrasound may be used to check blood flow through an artery. It may show swollen, narrow, or blocked blood vessels.
- A PET scan shows the areas in your head where there are blood vessel problems. It also shows how much blood and oxygen is flowing to an area of the brain and other parts of the head.
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Right Temple Pain Should You Be Worried
It is only natural to be worried that any kind of headache pain could be a symptom of something more serious.
Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic say that the majority of headaches occur because of nerves or blood vessels sending pain signals to the brain. This is often a result of lifestyle factors like tiredness, skipping meals, stress, or drinking too much alcohol.4
Usually, if you start having persistent headaches that get progressively worse, you should see a doctor. These types of serious headaches are usually accompanied by other neurological problems like a stiff neck, slurred speech, or personality changes.
What Causes Pain In The Left Temple Of The Head And How To Treat It
1. Temporal Arteritis affects the temporal arteries that stem from the necks carotid artery. Although there is no concrete reason as to why these arteries become inflamed, researchers believe a persons low functioning immune system is the cause.
Along with a pain in the left temple, people report fever, sweating, muscle weakness and aches, loss of appetite and fatigue as symptoms. It is treated with steroids.
2. Tension-induced pain is caused by stress, lack of sleep or food, poor posture, and muscle tension. The temporary pain feels like pressure is being applied to the temple and has no other symptoms.
Treatment is usually over-the-counter pain medication, meditation, yoga or massage. Long-term prevention suggestions include drinking plenty of water, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and proper posture and an ergonomic workstation.
3. Occipital Neuralgia headaches are caused by damage or injury to the nerves located at the base of the skull.
Sharp, stabbing pain in the left temple of the head can be accompanied by sensitivity to light and to touch.
Initial treatment includes rest, over-the-counter pain pills, and a heating pad on the neck.
Depending on the strength and time-length of the pain, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, strong pain medications, or injections of nerve blockers and steroids.
This can happen with injury to your teeth or jaw, grinding, stress, gum chewing, and even arthritis.
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What Are Food Triggers That Could Be Causing My Headaches
Many patients report that migraine headaches are triggered by food or food ingredients. These include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Wine
- MSG , a food additive that enhances the flavor
- Some types of cheese
If you start experiencing frequent migraines, make note of what youre eating on those days. It may be helpful to keep a food diary.
If you get migraines more often when you eat or drink a specific food, try eliminating it from your diet for a couple of weeks. Its a process of trial and error, but if food is the culprit of your pain, replacing that food with an alternative or abstaining from it altogether may help.
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is a fairly new treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate a nerve in the neck.
The aim is to relieve pain and reduce the number of cluster headaches.
You place a small handheld device on the side of your neck. Your specialist will show you exactly where.
Gradually increase the strength of the electrical current until you can feel small muscle contractions under your skin. Hold the device in position for about 90 seconds.
TVNS can be used to treat cluster headaches when you get them, and can also be used between attacks to try to prevent them happening. But TVNS may not help everyone with cluster headaches.
For more information, read the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance about transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation.
There’s also a new portable TVNS device called gammaCore. NICE has said that gammaCore can be effective for some people and reduce the need for medicines.
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Meningitis And Brain Infections
Meningitis is infection of the tissues around and on the surface of the brain and encephalitis is infection of the brain itself. Brain infections can be caused by germs called bacteria, viruses or fungi and they are thankfully rare. They cause a severe, disabling headache. Usually patients are sick and cannot bear bright light . Often they have a stiff neck, too stiff for the doctor to be able to bend the head down so that the chin touches the chest . Patients are usually also unwell – hot, sweaty and ill.
Cluster Headaches In The Right Temple
One reason for pain in the right temple of your head is cluster headaches.
Certified neurologist at Michigan State University, Dr. Danette C. Taylor says that pain from a cluster headache is usually severe and occurs in the temple behind one eye. Some people describe cluster headache pain as if someone is drilling through their temple. Cluster headaches usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours.5
Other symptoms of cluster headaches can include any of the following symptoms:
- Redness in one eye along with tearing
- Sweating on the side of the face where the cluster headache occurs
- Drooping eyelid
- Persistent temple pain that doesnt get worse when you move your head
It is not known what causes cluster headaches. However, Dr. Taylor says that the hypothalamus may be involved in the recurrence cycle of cluster headaches.
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When Is A Headache A Sign Of A Brain Tumor
A common question about severe or persistent headaches is whether they can be caused by a serious underlying health problem, such as a brain tumor.
The fact of the matter is that headaches are more likely a component of primary headache disorders, such as migraine or tension headaches, rather than due to brain tumors. However, certain factors may indicate that a headache could be symptomatic of a larger issue.
When To See Your Physician
If the headache goes on for a couple of weeks without improvement, or is associated with another neurological symptom, such as weakness on one side of the body, it is recommended to discuss your symptoms with a physician.
Headaches that are new or worsening, especially in a person who doesnt normally have headaches, may warrant a medical follow-up, as do headaches that are worse in the morning or when the person is laying down. These headaches could also potentially wake someone from their sleep, or be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
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When To Call The Health Care Provider
- Happen every day, especially if they interfere with school or play.
- Occur along with pain in the eye or ear, confusion, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or numbness.
- Keep coming back and get worse.
- Are similar to those that other family members have.
- Follow a head injury and do not go away after a week.
- Are severe enough to wake them up from sleep.
Temporomandibular Joint And Muscle Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ, are conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the joint and muscles responsible for jaw movement. TMJ affects more than . Occasional jaw pain isnt serious and is usually temporary, but some people develop long-term problems.
Symptoms of TMJ include:
- pain and pressure in your temples
- radiating pain in any of the muscles involved in chewing, including your face, jaw, or neck
- jaw stiffness or painful clicking or popping
- change in the way your teeth fit together
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How Is Temporal Arteritis Treated
- Medicines , such as steroids, will be given to decrease inflammation. Medicines may also be given to help your immune system.
- Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
- Vitamin D and calcium may be given while you are using steroid medicines. These supplements help prevent bone loss.
Pain In Left Temple More Causes
One of the leading causes of pain in the left temple is migraines and other types of headaches. However, these arent the only reasons, so it is best to look beyond the head as the source of pain in the temple area.
So you can see the other conditions that exist below.
Tension Headache
A tension headache isnt the same as migraine and can last for much longer. These headaches can affect the entire head and neck.
There is milder pain intensity, and unlike other headaches doesnt stop physical activity. Some tension headaches can be more painful, but it could be another issue altogether.
It is hard to know the difference between a migraine and a tension headache in some sense. However, it is easier to tell the difference as the situation progresses.
There is no way to know the difference fully, so it is wise to take note of symptoms and let your physician know the history of the headache.
Symptoms include dull pain, moderate pain, and sometimes severe pain in the head and neck. A funny feeling in the back of the head is also possible.
You may note that symptoms may be similar to a migraine headache. Tightness around the head tenderness in neck and shoulder muscles can indicate a tension headache.
The best way to treat a tension headache is to avoid stressful situations. The more you learn to relax, the better for you. You should drink enough water, eat correctly, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary products if you can.
Cervicogenic Headache
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