What could cause a headache on one side of my temple and how can it be alleviated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

One-sided temple headaches can stem from several underlying conditions, most commonly cluster headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, and—particularly in adults aged 50 and older—giant cell arteritis. Because each cause requires a different treatment approach, identifying the specific source of your pain is essential to finding effective relief.

Since symptoms can overlap between serious and mild conditions, the fastest way to understand what may be behind your temple pain is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. It only takes a few minutes, is backed by physicians, and helps you decide on the right next steps—whether that's self-care, seeing a doctor, or seeking urgent evaluation.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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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 check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your temple headaches and 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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