What on Earth Causes Your Headache in Left Temple?

Giant Cell Arteritis

This type of headache is cause by the inflammatory temporal artery. You may have a headache in left temple or even the right temple area, tender skin, jaw pain and trouble chewing. Some people even complain of a stiff neck and shoulders. It is treated with steroids to decrease the inflammation.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are actually pretty rare, but people who suffer from them know they are one of the worst headaches you can have. The pain is very severe, the eyes water and nose runs. This pain happens daily for a number of weeks and then goes away for up to a year.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They give a sensation of tightness in the muscles of the head and neck and tend to “band” in an area of the head. There are no other symptoms and usually are not associated with anything serious.

Migraine

Migraine headaches occur in 15% of women and 6% of males. They are usually preceded by an “aura” or you can feel when one is coming on. There is sensitivity to light and sound. Nausea and vomiting may happen. Migraines usually have a trigger, including hormonal changes, sulfites (wine) or high stress levels.

Cervicogenic Headaches

This type of headache may cause headache in left temple or right temple and may be caused by a neck issue. They are not as painful as a migraine, but can be very painful. It may start in the eye or the ear and feel like a “band” is running through one side of the head. It worsens after sleep due to the neck being held in a bad sleeping position.

Ice-Pick Headaches

This severe and sharp pain feels like being stabbed in one or both of the temples. Another common area for this pain is right in the eye. This sensation is also associated with migraines or cluster type headaches.

Nummular Headaches

This is actually a very rare type of headache that causes a "coin-shaped" stabbing sensation only on one side of the head. They are called "coin-shaped" because the pain only occurs in a 2 cm to 6 cm circle area. They happen most often in women and can be chronic lasting for weeks to months.

SUNCT

These are a short-term, one-sided type of neuralgia (nerve pain) headache most commonly experienced by men over the age of 50. They tend to come in bursts that feel like burning, stabbing or throbbing near the temple area or the eyes. They happen most often in the daytime hours and last a few seconds or minutes. They also can re-occur many times within the same hour.

Carotid Artery Dissection

This is a very serious form of headache due to the carotid artery to the brain rupturing or tearing. The onset has “the worst headache” ever felt, a dropping eyelid and sometimes symptoms that are like a stroke. This includes vision problems, slurred speech and weakness. This is because the dissection reduces the flow of blood to the head. The pain can occur in the temples or the forehead area. The pain usually happens suddenly and it is a medical emergency. So if you feel this pain or have other symptoms, call 911.

Hemicrania Continua

This is a headache that does not go away. It is a rare occurrence and only felt in one spot on the head or facial area. They can be dull pain or sever pain. Sometimes there are stabs, sharp pains or jolts. They can occur up to 5 times daily and be ongoing for months to even years.

Temporal-Mandibular Joint Pain

The junction of the jaw can radiate pain into the temples if there is a dysfunction. One of the commonly known disorders is TMJ and happens when the joint is not aligned properly.

Food-Induced Headache

There are certain foods that can cause headaches. These are foods that are high in either sulfites, nitrites, or monosodium glutamate and the headache occurs as a reaction. Other symptoms include sweating, trouble breathing, and tension. It comes on within 30 minutes of eating foods containing these preservatives. These include wines, processed luncheon meats/hot dogs, Chinese food, some spices and seasonings, and processed canned goods. Chocolate can also be a headache trigger for some people.

A minor headache can usually be treated very successfully at home. If you feel a headache that comes suddenly or is “the worst pain you have ever felt”, you should get to an emergency room or call 911 immediately. Here are some helpful home treatments for general headaches:

• Keep the house quiet and the lights dim. Sit with your eyes closed

• Use an ice pack to give a cold compress to the area

• Ask your doctor about physical therapy for your neck or shoulder areas

• Try a warm shower or bath

• Lay down for a nap

• Get out and try fresh air and a walk

• Have someone give you a neck massage

• Use your thumb and index finger to apply pressure to the area of the headache

Sometimes a simple head massage is all you need to beat that headache. Watch this video to learn 4 massage techniques to relieve your headache: