Pain on both temples is a common issue for many individuals, often causing prolonged, throbbing discomfort. Additionally, experiencing temple and neck pain can indicate serious neurological conditions. Join us in exploring the causes and treatment methods for this condition.
What is pain on both temples?
Headaches are a common problem experienced by many. While not as severe as other ailments, bilateral temple pain can be distressing. Recurring during sensitive times of the day, mainly in the early morning and late evening, it disrupts patients’ sleep patterns.
The persistent, lingering pain often makes patients very uncomfortable.
Symptoms of pain on both temples
- Pain typically emerges spontaneously, intensifying with mild pressure on the head, such as brushing or washing hair, or sudden changes in posture.
- The pain is chronic, characterized by a throbbing sensation akin to needles beneath the scalp. It originates from the temples, then spreads to the forehead, eye sockets, or crown of the head.
- Cold weather often triggers temple pain, especially at night.
- Individuals experiencing temple and neck pain endure lingering, pulsating, or stabbing sensations on one or both sides for minutes to hours.
- Some cases may involve swelling, redness, and increased warmth around the temples, indicating possible superficial temporal artery inflammation.
Causes of pain on both temples
There are various reasons leading to bilateral temple pain, including nerve tension, tension headaches, dental issues, or post-traumatic conditions. Additionally, this headache can signify meningitis or the presence of a tumor.
According to experts, these headaches typically originate from three mechanisms, specifically:
- Pain from sensory receptor stimulation: With abundant sensory receptors, the skin, muscles, bones, and blood vessels can perceive pain symptoms. Compression, constriction, or irritation of these structures stimulate the sensory receptors, transmitting signals to the brain, leading to the sensation of pain.
- Pain from nerve damage: Compression, signs of damage, or increased free radicals can potentially damage the outer protective layer of the nerve. Consequently, the leakage of electrical impulses causes persistent, throbbing, and long-lasting pain for several days.
- Damage to the ophthalmic artery: Pain and throbbing sensations on both temples and the forehead are due to insufficient blood supply, leading to damage to the ophthalmic artery, facial muscles, and chewing muscles. Therefore, individuals with Horton’s disease often experience a misaligned jaw, throbbing pain while chewing, or pain in the tongue and throat, making swallowing and speaking difficult.
When the nerves are compressed, showing signs of damage or increased free radicals, it can cause headaches.
Is pain on both temples dangerous?
Although temple headaches are not typically severe, one should not take them lightly. Whether experienced by adults or children, pain on both temples can significantly impact daily life.
If the condition of bilateral temple pain persists, it could be a sign of some serious conditions such as:
Giant cell arteritis
This condition often causes intense, burning pain in the head. The pain usually starts at the temples and then spreads throughout the head. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, high fever, loss of appetite, and temple pain.
Mild traumatic brain injury
This phenomenon is often due to the impact on the head, causing patients to experience pain on both temples. Some cases may also involve dizziness, lightheadedness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, emotional and cognitive disturbances, affecting memory and concentration.
Cerebral aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is a cause of hemorrhagic stroke in young people. It is associated with a high mortality rate. On average, 10% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage die before reaching the hospital, 25% die within 24 hours, and 45% die within 30 days.
Brain tumor
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells located in the brain. Symptoms of this condition include pain on both temples, seizures, dizziness, and nausea.
Therefore, when experiencing pain on both temples along with symptoms such as nausea, fever, seizures, or numbness, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention from the nearest reputable healthcare facility for prompt examination and treatment.
Treatment for pain on both temples
When experiencing pain on both temples, it is advisable to seek a medical diagnosis to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment for effective results. The treatment for pain on both temples involves a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual’s specific condition. This may include a combination of various strategies such as:
- Lifestyle modifications: Implementing stress-reduction techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and practicing relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation can help manage and alleviate symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medications: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in reducing mild to moderate pain. However, it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists.
- Prescription medications: In more severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe specific medications such as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs to help alleviate the pain and address any underlying neurological issues.
- Physical therapy: Certain exercises and physical therapy techniques can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and posture, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of temple pain.
- Stress management: Learning and practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly contribute to pain reduction, especially for those whose temple pain is triggered or exacerbated by stress.
2 effective physical therapy methods
Applying cold or hot compress to the head and neck
Applying cold or hot compress can improve blood circulation, thereby reducing the recurrence of persistent headaches. Additionally, taking a hot bath can help relax the body and effectively alleviate headaches.
Applying hot or cold compress is a way to alleviate pain in both temples.
Head and neck massage
Massaging these areas can enhance blood flow and rapidly alleviate headache symptoms. This practice also aids in reducing stress, fatigue, and tension, especially for individuals engaged in prolonged computer work.
Read more: Dizziness When Sitting Down
What should be noted about pain on both temples?
Pain on both temples can occur at any age. To prevent the onset or recurrence of the condition, the following measures should be applied:
Get sufficient rest
After stressful work hours, allocate time for proper rest to allow your brain and body to relax. Maintain a calm mindset and avoid anxiety and stress.
Stay adequately hydrated
Dehydration is one of the contributing factors that can worsen headaches. Therefore, patients should ensure they consume enough water. Divide the water intake into smaller portions and drink regularly throughout the day. Avoid consuming large amounts of water at once, as the body will excrete the excess water.
Ensure a well-balanced diet
Diet significantly impacts health, especially when dealing with an illness. Therefore, individuals experiencing pain on both temples should incorporate plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, or fruit juices to boost immunity and alleviate headaches.
People suffering from pain on both temples should pay attention to their daily diet.
Exercise regularly
Allocate around 30 minutes each day for light, moderate exercise to improve overall health and mental relaxation after a stressful day, thus alleviating headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Undergo regular health check-ups
Maintain the habit of undergoing biannual health check-ups to monitor your health status and detect potentially dangerous conditions early.
While pain on both temples is not life-threatening, it can cause considerable discomfort for patients. Therefore, when noticing any unusual symptoms, individuals should proactively consult a doctor to identify the underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment, avoiding the progression of the illness and unforeseeable complications.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
