1. Tension headache
If, in the middle of a difficult day, you want to massage your buzzing temples with your fingers, a tension headache is most likely to blame. This is the most common type of headache. Doctors describe it as if a wide, heavy and too tight hoop was put on the head.
Typically, a tension headache manifests itself as an aching, pressing sensation in the forehead and behind the eyes. But it can also concentrate in the temple area.
What to do
Usually, all you need to do to get rid of a tension headache is just rest. Try to relax, if possible, place a cool compress on your forehead. If that doesn’t help, take an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
If the pain repeats itself more than twice a week, it is worth consulting with a doctor – for starters, with a therapist. Simply taking painkillers in this case is dangerous. Firstly, your body may get used to them and the effectiveness of the pills will decrease. And secondly, you risk getting another type of headache – associated with the use of medications.
2. Migraine
The classic manifestation of migraine is an intrusive throbbing headache on one side of the head. Usually she beginslike a dull pressing sensation in the forehead, behind the eyes or in the temple.
In addition, migraines have other characteristic symptoms: for example, such pain lasts at least several hours, is accompanied by nausea and increased sensitivity to sounds and light. Another symptom is aura, that is, strange visual, olfactory or sound sensations. They do not necessarily appear right before or during an attack of pain, but if they do, they indicate a migraine with almost 100% probability.
However, only a neurologist can make an accurate diagnosis.
What to do
If you suspect you have a migraine, as quickly as possible, at the first hint of an approaching attack, accept over-the-counter pain reliever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets.
You should not take tablets based on acetylsalicylic acid, they have low pain relief potential and many side effects.
And be sure to consult a therapist or neurologist. Even if there was only one attack.
3. Temporal arteritis
This pain is similar to a migraine: it felt like a burning pulsation – most often in the temple on one side of the head. However, temporal arteritis is a much more dangerous condition.
It is caused by inflammation and swelling of the temporal arteries, which carry blood to the eyes, optic nerves and brain. Due to swelling, the blood vessel narrows and in severe cases can completely block blood flow. Depending on which organ the blocked artery supplies, it can lead to vision loss or stroke.
It is important to add that temporal arteritis affects almost exclusively older people. UpToDate even offers Until the age of 50 one does not suspect this disease at all
What to do
Take a closer look at the symptoms. Temporal arteritis manifests itself not only as prolonged pain in one of the temples, but also with other signs:
- noticeable pain when touching the skin on the affected temple;
- noticeable change in body temperature;
- weakness;
- visual impairment;
- pain when chewing.
If you suspect temporal arteritis, consult your physician as soon as possible. If the doctor suggests the same diagnosis, you will need to have blood tests. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe medications. But it is worth noting that temporal arteritis affects almost exclusively older people. The UpToDate medical advice database suggests not suspecting this disease at all until the age of 50.
4. Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headache pain is pain that occurs due to various injuries to the spine or soft tissues in the neck area. Its cause may be arthritis of the vertebrae, pinched nerves, problems with intervertebral discs, or too tense muscles.
This type of pain often occurs after injury or in people who spend a lot of time sitting and do not pay attention to their posture.
Recognize Cervicogenic pain can be identified by the following symptoms:
- it occurs in the neck and spreads through the temple (usually on one side) to the forehead and eyes;
- at the same time, a feeling of a stiff neck may occur;
- pain often spreads along the shoulder and arm on the same side;
- Sometimes vision in the eye on the affected side is temporarily reduced.
What to do
If you suspect you have cervicogenic headaches, you should consult your doctor. It is important to exclude more dangerous diagnoses – the same temporal arteritis.
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, conduct an examination, and prescribe treatment. It usually involves a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers (although in some cases injections may be needed to block the nerve), massage, and physical therapy exercises to help the neck muscles recover.
Please note that only a specialist should perform a massage and select exercises. Under no circumstances do this yourself: there is a risk of making a mistake and straining your neck in the wrong places, and this will make the pain more persistent and stronger.
5. Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward, right and left. Any disturbance in this complex system of masticatory muscles, ligaments, and bones leads to somewhat impaired jaw movements.
Here are the most common ones signs dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint:
- pain in temples;
- pain in any area associated with chewing, such as the jaw or neck;
- clicks, crunching, other extraneous sounds when moving the jaw;
- difficulty opening your mouth completely.
What to do
Fortunately, temporomandibular joint dysfunction is most often harmless and pass by themselves.
To reduce discomfort during the acute phase, experts from the British National Health Service recommend:
- try not to clench your teeth and relax your jaw muscles;
- apply cold or warm compresses to the jaw, depending on which temperature reduces pain;
- If necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen;
- eat only soft foods that do not require chewing effort: pureed soups, omelettes, pasta;
- if you feel that it is the jaw muscles that are cramping, try a gentle massage.
If the pain persists for several days in a row or is so severe that it interferes with your ability to sleep, eat, or work, see your doctor. The doctor will select more effective painkillers for you and, if necessary, refer you to specialized specialists – a dentist, neurologist or psychotherapist.
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