Temple Headaches: Is It Tension-Type Headache?

Temporalis headache

The sensation of pain feels like someone is pressing hard on your temples, and this type of headache occurs frequently.
Each episode makes me want to press on the painful area with my hand.
Could this be classified as a type of tension-type headache?

Alice, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/05

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Alice,
In your letter, you mentioned that you occasionally experience severe pain in your temples.
This symptom could be indicative of tension-type headaches, migraines, or other types of headaches.
I recommend that you visit a family medicine clinic and provide your physician with a detailed description of the nature, duration, triggers, and alleviating factors of your episodes.
If necessary, the physician may arrange for tests to confirm the diagnosis.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chen Po-Chang
Department of Family Medicine
Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2016/03/05

More Info

Temple headaches, often described as a sensation of pressure or tightness around the temples, can indeed be indicative of tension-type headaches (TTH). Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache and are characterized by a dull, aching pain that can feel like a tight band around the head. The pain is typically bilateral (affecting both sides of the head) and can vary in intensity from mild to moderate.
In your case, the description of the pain feeling like someone is pressing hard on your temples aligns well with the characteristics of tension-type headaches. These headaches can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. The fact that you feel the urge to press on the painful area suggests that you may be instinctively trying to relieve the discomfort, which is a common response among individuals experiencing TTH.

To differentiate tension-type headaches from other types, such as migraines or cluster headaches, consider the following characteristics:
1. Location: Tension-type headaches usually affect both sides of the head, while migraines often occur on one side.

2. Pain Quality: TTH is typically described as a dull, pressing, or tightening sensation, whereas migraines are often described as throbbing or pulsating.

3. Associated Symptoms: Tension-type headaches usually do not come with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound, which are common in migraines.

4. Duration: TTH can last from 30 minutes to several days, while migraines can last from a few hours to several days.

If you suspect that your headaches are tension-type, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate the pain:
1. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels, which may, in turn, decrease headache frequency and intensity.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help address muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which is often a contributing factor to tension-type headaches.

3. Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, potentially decreasing the frequency of headaches.

4. Adequate Hydration and Nutrition: Ensuring you are well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet can also play a role in headache prevention.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in managing pain during an episode.

If your headaches persist or worsen, or if you experience any new or unusual symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can help rule out other potential causes of your headaches and may recommend further evaluation or treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, based on your description, it is plausible that you are experiencing tension-type headaches. However, it is always advisable to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pulsating Temples: Causes and Concerns After Head Injury

Hello, I am consulting on behalf of my mother. A few years ago, she was in a car accident where she hit the left side of her head, but there were no external injuries. Over the years, she has occasionally experienced headaches, but since the beginning of this year, she has freque...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Chen, You mentioned that your mother "often presses on the left temple..." which may indicate tension-type headache, caused by muscle tightness in the head. Common manifestations include tight, constricting pain in the forehead and temples, resembling the sens...

Understanding Tension Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Doctor, I occasionally experience headaches that usually start in the afternoon and persist. The pain is located in my temples, forehead, eye sockets, and the back of my neck. It worsens with exertion, but I don't have any other symptoms. This has been going on for a long ti...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest tension-type headache, which is caused by muscle tightness in the head. Common manifestations include tight, constricting pain in the forehead and temples, resembling the feeling of wearing the Monkey King's golden headband. Since it is cause...

Understanding Tension Headaches: Symptoms, Triggers, and Anxiety Links

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing tension-type headaches, especially on exam days, and I also tend to get headaches after spending a long time in an air-conditioned room. These symptoms usually resolve after I wake up from sleep. Recently, while at home, I have been frequent...

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● There are many causes of headaches, with common types including migraines and tension-type headaches. Migraines are moderate to severe headaches that can last from 4 to 72 hours, often unilateral, and may be accompanied by pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and exacerbation due ...

Understanding Tension in the Temple Area and Stroke Warning Signs

Hello, I would like to ask if my mother (45 years old) sometimes feels tightness in her temples; could this be related to sleep issues? Also, what are the warning signs of a stroke?

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Tension in the temples may indicate a tension-type headache, which can affect sleep. There are many symptoms of a stroke, but they often include unilateral numbness and weakness.