The temple regions, located on the sides of the head at the level of the eyes, are common sites for headache. Pain in this region can arise with different varieties of primary headaches or develop as a symptom of another illness or condition. Effective treatment of temple headaches begins with identifying the underlying cause.
Migraine
Migraines remain a common cause of temporal headaches. This disorder is characterized by throbbing pain that builds in severity, most commonly affecting the temporal region of the head. Among adults, migraine pain typically occurs on one side of the head; migraines in children commonly affect both sides of the head.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that many people experience warning symptoms that signal the impending occurrence of a migraine, including an unexplained change in mood, increased water retention, increased urinary frequency and food cravings. Visual symptoms, such as seeing phantom light flashes or a transient loss of vision, or unusual skin sensations may develop just prior to or at the onset of migraine pain. Nausea and vomiting, and intolerance of loud sounds and bright lights commonly accompany an episode of migraine pain.
Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory condition of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the tissues. The temporal arteries of the head are commonly involved in this condition, which is also known as temporal arteritis. Headaches associated with giant cell arteritis most commonly develop in adults older than age 60, reports the American College of Rheumatology.
The headache of temporal arteritis presents as a new complaint, typically accompanied by systemic inflammatory symptoms, including fever, unexplained weight loss, muscle aches, declining appetite and fatigue. Visual disturbances are an ominous development in the setting of giant cell arteritis, as this symptom typically signals inflammation of the arteries of the eyes. Urgent treatment is required to prevent permanent visual impairment.
TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is the site where the lower jawbone interfaces with the skull. The temporomandibular joint is a high-pressure, complex joint supported by several muscles, tendons and ligaments. The joint is frequently subject to injury or disease, which may result in chronic or episodic pain, known as TMJ disorder.
TMJ-related pain often radiates to the temporal region of the head, and it may be mistaken for migraine, notes the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Other TMJ disorder symptoms include tenderness over the jaw area and joint clicking or popping. Treatment of TMJ disorder varies, depending on the underlying cause. Effective treatment of TMJ disorder typically resolves or lessens temporal pain and other symptoms of the condition.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Headache: Hope Through Research
- American College of Rheumatology: Giant Cell Arteritis
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome)
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: TMJ Disorders
- MedlinePlus: Temporal Arteritis
