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.
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.
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