How to Recognize Temple Headaches and What to Do About Them
What Does Temple Headache Mean and When to Pay Attention
Headaches are among the most common health issues people encounter. Special attention should be given to headaches in the temples, as they can indicate anything from ordinary fatigue to more serious health problems. When the pain spreads to the temples and behind the eyes or to the forehead and temples, it is essential to pay attention to other symptoms and the situations in which the discomfort occurs. For example, temple headache when coughing or occurrence in children requires special attention.
Let's explore the possible causes, when the pain is common, when to see a doctor, and how we can help ourselves naturally.
The Most Common Causes of Temple Headaches
When the pain is concentrated in the temple area, it is most often a so-called tension headache. This arises due to tension in the neck, shoulder, and head muscles, often due to stress, lack of sleep, or poor posture. The typical manifestation is a dull, squeezing pain that can last from several hours to several days.
Another frequent culprit is migraine, a neurological condition where the pain often starts on one side of the head in the temple area and can escalate to intense, throbbing pain. Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and sounds.
A less common but very painful cause can be cluster headache, which occurs in series and is usually localized in the temple and behind the eyes. These attacks are short but extremely intense.
In some cases, temple headache can signal temporal artery inflammation (temporal arteritis), a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Headache in the Temples and Behind the Eyes
When the pain spreads from the temples behind the eyes, it's important to be alert. This type of pain may be related not only to migraine but also to eye problems, such as eye pressure in glaucoma. If the pain is accompanied by blurred vision, eye redness, swelling, or vomiting, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately.
Similar symptoms can also occur with sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses. In this case, the pain is located not only in the temples but also behind the eyes and on the forehead, often combined with a stuffy nose and fever.
One real example is the case of a young woman who noticed recurring temple and behind-the-eye headaches after a long workday at the computer. An examination by an ophthalmologist revealed that she suffered from eye strain caused by unsuitable glasses. After changing the prescription and incorporating regular breaks during work, the pain disappeared.
Headache on the Forehead and Temples
Headache on the forehead and temples is often associated with frontal sinusitis. This type of pain is dull, pressurizing, and worsens when bending forward. It is especially pronounced in the spring and fall during more frequent upper respiratory tract infections.
Another possibility is that the pain stems from mental tension. Stress and anxiety lead to muscle stiffness in the head and neck, causing pain not only in the temples but also on the forehead.
Interestingly, according to a study published in the journal The Journal of Headache and Pain, up to 78% of people suffering from tension headaches report pain precisely on the forehead and in the temple area.
Temple Headache When Coughing
You may have been surprised when a sharp temple headache appeared during a cough. This phenomenon is known as cough headache. It is usually harmless and caused by increased intracranial pressure during a sudden cough, sneeze, or laugh.
However, there are also cases where a cough headache indicates a more serious problem, such as abnormalities in brain structures like Arnold-Chiari malformation. If these headaches occur frequently, are intense, or accompanied by other neurological symptoms (dizziness, balance disorder), a neurological examination is necessary.
Cough associated with headache is common especially during respiratory infections, when sinus irritation and inflammation increase pressure in the head area.
Temple Headache in Children
When a child complains of a temple headache, it requires increased attention. In children, headaches are not as common as in adults and often signal an infection, vision problems, or even migraine conditions.
Childhood migraine is underestimated but affects up to 10% of schoolchildren. It typically manifests as pain in the forehead and temple area, nausea, and aversion to light and noise. Special attention is needed when the headache is accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or vomiting.
Parents should also monitor other factors, such as whether the child drinks enough, has regular sleep, and is not exposed to excessive stress. Dehydration, fatigue, or psychological stress are common triggers of headaches in children.
How to Relieve Naturally
While repeated headaches are best addressed with professional examination, there are also natural methods that can relieve milder discomfort:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of headache.
- Herbal Teas: Teas like lavender or chamomile have calming effects.
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils from peppermint or eucalyptus can help relieve tension.
- Temple Massage: Gentle pressure massage of the temples promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation.
- Regular Exercise and Stretching: Yoga or short walks can significantly reduce the risk of headaches.
- Proper Posture: Ergonomic seating at the computer and regular breaks are key to preventing tension headaches.
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Sometimes small changes in daily routine are enough, and the headache subsides without the need for medication.
As the old saying goes: "He who takes care of small things avoids big problems." And when it comes to headaches, this is doubly true.
In any case, if the pain worsens, new symptoms appear, or the pain does not subside even after rest, it is advisable to consult a specialist. We only have one health, and addressing problems timely is the best step towards a life without pain.
