Pulsating Temples: Causes and Concerns After Head Injury - Neurology

More Info

---

Understanding pulsating sensations in the temples, especially after a head injury, can be quite concerning. Your mother’s history of a car accident where she sustained a head injury, even without visible external wounds, could potentially be linked to her current symptoms. The sensations she describes, akin to an eyelid twitching, could be indicative of several underlying issues, including tension headaches, muscle tension, or even post-traumatic headache syndromes.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that head injuries, even those that do not result in visible trauma, can lead to changes in the brain and surrounding tissues. These changes may not manifest immediately but can develop over time. The brain is a complex organ, and injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and pulsating sensations. In your mother's case, the fact that she has been experiencing these symptoms consistently for the past two months raises some concerns.

The pulsating sensation in the temples could be attributed to muscle tension in the head and neck area. Stress and anxiety are common culprits for such tension, leading to what is often referred to as tension-type headaches. These headaches can cause discomfort and a feeling of pressure or tightness around the head, which may be exacerbated by stress or poor posture. If your mother has been under significant stress, this could certainly contribute to her symptoms.

Another possibility is that she may be experiencing a form of post-traumatic headache, which can occur after a head injury. This type of headache can present in various forms, including tension-type headaches or migraines, and may develop weeks or even months after the initial injury. The fact that her symptoms began to intensify last November, several years after her accident, suggests that there may be a connection.

It is also crucial to consider other potential causes of her symptoms. For instance, if she is experiencing any changes in vision, balance, or cognitive function, these could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a vascular issue or even a risk of stroke. While the likelihood of a stroke occurring years after a head injury is low, it is not impossible, especially if there are other risk factors involved, such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of vascular diseases.

Given your concerns, it would be advisable for your mother to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation. This evaluation may include a physical examination, a review of her medical history, and possibly imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any structural issues or complications from her previous injury.

In the meantime, encouraging your mother to manage her stress levels through relaxation techniques, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule may help alleviate some of her symptoms. Additionally, if she finds that certain activities or environments exacerbate her symptoms, it would be beneficial for her to avoid those triggers.

In summary, while the pulsating sensations in your mother's temples could be related to her past head injury, they may also stem from stress, muscle tension, or other factors. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Your concern for her health is valid, and seeking professional guidance will provide clarity and peace of mind.