What is a bilateral temporal headache and how is it treated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A bilateral temporal headache is pain that occurs on both sides of the head, near the temples. This type of headache can range from mild tension to severe throbbing and may signal several underlying conditions, including tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, giant cell arteritis, or sinus issues. Treatment depends entirely on the specific cause, which is why an accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any therapy.

Because bilateral temporal headaches can stem from many different conditions—some benign, others serious—identifying the root cause is the critical first step toward effective relief. Rather than guessing, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your headache and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

A bilateral temporal headache involves pain on both sides of the head, specifically in the temple areas. These headache symptoms can be caused by a variety of health conditions.

Some Possible Causes of Bilateral Temporal Headache and How They Can Be Treated:

Temporomandibular Dysfunction: Temporomandibular dysfunction is associated with pain around the temple as well as other muscles used when chewing food. Stress and teeth grinding can contribute to temporomandibular dysfunction. Treatment options include physical therapy, stress management, and (if teeth grinding is contributing to symptoms) a dental appliance fitted by a dentist.
Tension Headache: Tension headaches affect both sides of the head and the discomfort has a pressing or tightening quality. Some treatments for tension headaches can prevent symptoms, whereas other treatments for tension headaches can reduce symptoms after the pain starts.

The most appropriate treatment for you will depend on the exact cause of your symptoms, so you should consult a healthcare provider for a personalized medical assessment and treatment plan. To help identify what might be causing your bilateral temporal headache, try our free AI symptom checker for a quick evaluation of your symptoms.

(References)

Alsabban AS, Bakri HM, Abduljabbar AZ, Almesfer AA, & Alturkistani AM. (2023). Bilateral Temporal Headache As the Presenting Symptoms .... Cureus, 38288213.
Zach KJ, Trentman TL, Zimmerman RS, & Dodick DW. (2014). Refractory headaches treated with bilateral occipital and .... Medical devices (Auckland, N.Z.), 24707189.
Speciali JG, & Dach F. (2015). Temporomandibular dysfunction and headache disorder. Headache, 25644695.

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