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Pressure In The Temples
What to know about pressure in the temples
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC,
AHN-BC, CHT
Written by Beth Sissons
Pressure in the
temples can be a symptom of a headache or migraine episode.
It can also
result from stress, blocked sinuses, or tension extending from elsewhere in the
body.
If a person
experiences persistent pressure in the temples, this may indicate an underlying
health issue.
This article
explores possible causes of pressure in the temples, as well as symptoms,
treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
o
A tension headache may cause pressure in temples.
o
A tension headache is one of the most common types of headache,
and it can cause pressure as well as pain.
o
Tension headaches can result from stress or muscle tension.
Symptoms
pain that can
last for a few hours to several days
tight pressure,
which may feel as though a band or vice is squeezing the head
pain that may
radiate from the neck to the head
Treatment
A person may be
able to treat a tension headache with over-the-counter pain relief medication,
relaxation, and stress management.
If muscle
tension is creating a feeling of pressure in the face and temples, try:
o
a heated compress
o
a warm bath
o
stretching
Migraine
Migraine can
cause moderate or severe head pain, including pressure in the temples.
The exact cause of migraine is unknown. However, the medical community recognizes a number of triggers, such as:
o
emotional triggers, including depression or anxiety
o
tiredness and lack of sleep
o
some foods, including chocolate and cheese
o
coffee or alcohol
o
environmental triggers, including flickering screens, stuffy
rooms, and loud noises
o
certain medications, including sleeping pills, contraceptive
pills, and hormone replacement therapies
Symptoms
Symptoms of
migraine include:
o
pain on one side of the head
o
pulsing or throbbing sensations
o
nausea
o
increased sensitivity to light and sound
A migraine
headache may worsen with physical activity and can last a few hours to several
days.
Treatment
A doctor may
prescribe antimigraine medication for people who have frequent or severe
migraine episodes.
Learn more
about the difference between a headache and a migraine here.
Cervicogenic headache
A cervicogenic
headache is a type of headache related to a disorder of the cervical spine.
The cervical
spine is the top part of the spine, which includes the neck and back of the
head.
Problems with
the cervical spine that can cause cervicogenic headaches include:
o
issues with the soft tissues of the neck
o
lesions
o
tumors
o
fractures
o
infections
o
rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms
Along with
pressure in the temples, symptoms of this type of headache include:
o
a reduced range of motion in the neck
o
a headache that worsens with certain neck movements
o
pain on one side of the head
o
pain that spreads from the back of the head or neck to the front
of the head, possibly behind the eyes
Treatment
A doctor can
use nerve blocks to treat cervicogenic headaches. Nerve blocks, which are
usually injected, can numb the cervical spine, relieving pain.
In addition,
massage may help relax the soft tissues in the neck and reduce the occurrence
of headaches. Exercise and physical therapy can also help treat cervicogenic
headaches.
Sinus problems
A blocked nose
is a common symptom of sinus problems.
Infection and
inflammation of the sinuses can cause pressure in the forehead and temples.
Symptoms
Other symptoms
of these sinus issues include:
o
a cough
o
yellow or green discharge from the nose
o
a toothache
o
mucus running down the back of the throat
Treatment
In most cases,
sinus infections and inflammation clear up without prescription medication.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can help clear the sinuses
and relieve symptoms.
If a bacterial
infection is causing the inflammation, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to
treat it.
Temporal arteritis
Temporal
arteritis can cause persistent pain in the temples. It happens when arteries at
the sides of the head become inflamed.
Temporal
arteritis is more common in females and people over the age of 50.
Symptoms
A person with
this condition may experience:
o
severe, throbbing pain in the temples
o
a fever
o
unintentional weight loss
o
a loss of appetite
o
a feeling of tenderness in the scalp
o
an aching in the jaw while chewing
Treatment
A doctor will
prescribe a course of steroids to treat temporal arteritis.
Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis can cause a sudden headache and pressure in the temples.
Symptoms
Other symptoms
include:
o
increased sensitivity to light
o
a fever
o
stiffness in the neck
o
confusion
o
nausea
o
vomiting
In newborns and
young children, symptoms can vary. Look out for:
o
inactivity or slowness
o
irritability
o
vomiting
o
a change in appetite
o
a bulge on the top of the head
Treatment
A doctor will
treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. Also, there are vaccinations for
this condition.
Head injury
A head injury
or traumatic brain injury can result from a blow to the head. Among people with
symptoms of a mild head injury, 90% experience a headache.
Symptoms
Various types
of headache can result from a head injury. A person may, for example,
experience throbbing or stabbing pain at the back of the head.
A person may
also feel pressure, which may develop within 7 days of the injury. The pressure
may be dull, aching, or taut, and it may affect any part of the head, including
the temples.
Treatment
When a headache
results from a mild head injury, get plenty of rest. Eating healthfully,
getting quality sleep, and reducing the intake of caffeine can also help.
Use caution
when taking medications for headaches and follow instructions on labeling.
Learn more
about the types, symptoms, and treatments of head injuries here.
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders
Temporomandibular
joint and muscle (TMJ) disorders cause pain in the jaw and surrounding area.
They can also
cause pressure in the face, temples, and neck.
Beyond trauma
to the jaw, researchers are unsure what causes TMJ disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ
disorders include:
o
a stiff jaw, with restricted movement
o
grinding the teeth, while awake or asleep
o
pain when opening or closing the mouth
o
a clicking, grating, or locking of the jaw
o
the upper and lower teeth not fitting together as usual
Treatment
The most common
TMJ disorders are temporary, and people can treat them with over-the-counter
pain relief medication.
Some people benefit
from dental devices that keep the jaw from clenching.
Brain tumor
In rare cases,
persistent pressure in the temples can indicate a brain tumor if a person also
experiences other characteristic symptoms.
Symptoms
Some of the
most common symptoms of a brain tumor are:
o
nausea
o
fatigue
o
tingling or stiffness on one side of the body
o
balance problems
o
changes in vision
o
confusion or memory loss
o
difficulty communicating
o
feeling disorientated
o
changes in personality
o
seizures
Treatment
Treatment for a
brain tumor depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor.
Treatment
options may include:
o
steroids
o
radiation therapy
o
chemotherapy
o
surgery to remove the tumor
Learn more
about the early symptoms of a brain tumor.
When to see a doctor
A person should
speak to their doctor if they experience frequent or severe headaches.
Anyone with persistent pressure in the temples should see a healthcare professional.
o
a continuous headache in one part of the head
o
severe head pain that comes on very suddenly
o
a change in headache frequency or type
o
an existing medical condition alongside frequent or severe head
pain
The doctor will
take a medical history and ask about symptoms. They may then use tests, such as
blood tests or MRI or CT scans, to check for underlying issues.
If people
notice any signs of meningitis, they should seek medical attention right away.
Summary
People
experience pressure in the temples for a variety of reasons. If stress or
tension is causing this pressure, relaxation and lifestyle changes may help
relieve it.
If pressure in
the temples is persistent, or if severe pain or other symptoms accompany it,
see a doctor.
Beth Sissons
Beth lives in London and
works as a freelance writer on a range of projects. Along with writing regular
articles for Medical News Today, she writes for the Horniman Museum, an
anthropology museum in South London. This involves recording minutes for
conferences, blogging for their website, and documenting their process of
curating art exhibitions. She loves theatre, yoga, and cycling in her spare
time.
Debra
Rose Wilson,
Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
MEDICAL
ADVISOR
Dr. Wilson is a health psychologist and a nurse. Seeking to view health from outside the western model, Debra completed a Master of Science in Holistic Nursing, then with a focus on Psycho-neuro-immunology completed a PhD in Health Psychology. Debra has worked in maternal/infant health, public health education, program development, public health education, and nursing education. She has expertise in complementary and alternative therapies, epidemiology, breastfeeding trends, wellness, disease prevention, and higher education. She has been reviewing medical information for more than 20 years, with a focus on online patient education.
With over 100 publications including peer-reviewed journal articles, editorials, 3 books, and numerous books chapters, her research experience includes healing for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, autoimmune disease, complementary therapies, breastfeeding, herbs, and women’s health.
Debra’s current research areas include stress, stress management, scalp and hair health, autoimmune disease, and immune function. She was the managing editor of the International Journal of Childbirth Education from 2011 to this year. Debra has taught graduate courses in psychoneuroimmunology, holistic nursing, biopsychology, stress & coping, complementary & alternative therapies, herbology, mental health nursing, health care policy, stress & coping. She has taught at undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels of nursing, psychology, and social work.
Dr.
Wilson has a private practice as a holistic nurse, providing grief counseling,
clinical hypnosis, trauma counseling, and lactation consulting.
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