Published on: 7/4/2025
What could cause a headache on one side of my temple and how can it be alleviated?
Headaches on one side of the temple can be caused various health conditions, including but not limited to cluster headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome, and (especially in people age 50 years and older) giant cell arteritis. The best treatment will depend on the exact cause of your symptoms, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized medical assessment and treatment plan.
What brings you in today?
Explanation
Headaches that occur on one side of the temple can have a variety of causes. One possible cause is cluster headaches, which are headaches that often occur on one side of the head and can include symptoms like eye redness and tearing.
Another potential cause of headaches on one side of the temple is temporomandibular joint syndrome, which lead to pain around the temple as well as other muscles used when chewing food. Stress and teeth grinding can contribute to temporomandibular joint syndrome.
While giant cell arteritis is rare, it is an important diagnosis to consider especially for anyone age 50 years and older. Giant cell arteritis is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the area of the temples.
Medications and other therapies are available to treat disorders that cause headaches on one side of the temple. 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.
(References)
- Karl HW, & Trescot AM. (2019). Nerve Entrapment Headaches at the Temple. Pain physician, 30700076.
- Prasad P, Subramanya R, & Upadhyaya NS. (1991). Cluster headache or narrow angle glaucoma?. Indian journal of ophthalmology, 1810883.
- Guyuron B, Harvey D, & Reed D. (2015). A Prospective Randomized Outcomes Comparison of Two .... Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 25829156.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.