Occasional Sharp Pain Above Right Temple

Tension headaches are another cause of sharp pain in temple or head area, which can bring discomfort that is hard to bear. The pain is felt due to the muscle tightness that may be present in the area of the headache. Tension headaches occur when scalp muscles and neck are tense due to certain activities like too much computer work. See full list on med-health.net. Muscle pain: You may have an issue with your tmj, back of the neck or bite. Often issues in these areas can present as pain in the temporal area. Oct 28, 2018 Pain Above Right Breast. Pain above the right breast may be due to any of the causes mentioned above but usually does not arise with cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) conditions. The heart lies in the middle of the chest and slightly to the left. Therefore pain above the right breast is not usually associated with the heart. While migraine symptoms vary from person to person, a common place for migraine pain to start is in your temples. The pulsating pain may spread to both temples but often stays on just one side of.

Usually Ice-Pick Headaches

Sharp head pain happens to 2% of people each year.

The most common cause of sharp head pain is called ‘Ice-Pick Headache’.

Nothing provokes these sharp headaches and they are away as quick as they came. Sometimes there is a mild lingering dull sensation afterwards for a few minutes.

Your first step is knowing that you are safe. Then you can do whatever it takes to get control. I’ve written a guide to help you get in control of headaches.

4 meanings of Sharp Head Pain

The phrase ‘sharp head pain’ can mean different things to different people – here’s 4 meanings I encounter in my clinics.

1. Stabbing or Knife-like pain

   Sharp may mean a stabbing pain in the head, like someone has taken a knife or needle and rammed it into the skull. An example is Ice-Pick Headache.

2. Sudden and Severe Some people say ‘sharp pain’ but describe a sudden severe headache not a sensation of being struck with a knife or needle. A sudden severe headache requires urgent medical attention, whereas Ice-Pick Headache does not.

3. Bad or Intense

   The other meaning of sharp that people use is to mean an intense bad headache.

   If you use “sharp” to mean a severe headache usually the problem is Migraine Headaches.

4. Shooting

   In this instance, sharp means a brief shooting feeling called Neuralgia.

Causes of Knife-like Sharp Head Pain

Sharp Head Pains (Knife-like)

These conditions are confused with Ice-Pick Headaches:

• Cervicogenic Headache: Most people with cervicogenic headache have a pressure or throbbing sensation on one side of the head. Brief stabs of pain are common in people with Cervicogenic Headache.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia: This sudden stabbing or shooting pain affects your cheek or jaw. Touch or movement trigger this intense sharp head pain. The pain is in the eye or forehead in very few cases. The pain is brief, and Carbamazepine is the drug of choice.

• Trigeminal Autonomic Headaches: These headaches are very brief – often sharp – head pains accompanied by ‘autonomic activation’. Autonomic Activation means watering of the eye, a stuffy nose, reddening of the white of the eye, or swelling around the eye or face. Most of these headaches respond very well to strong anti-inflammatories such as Indometacin.

• Cluster Headache

  People with Cluster Headache get sharp head pains. These can occur just as a Cluster Headache is starting, during an attack and can occur between attacks. A Cluster Headache is a monstrous pain in or around one eye, accompanied by ‘Autonomic Activation’. The drugs that work best are High Flow Oxygen, Subcutaneous Sumatriptan and Verapamil.

• Paroxysmal Hemicrania: These are also sharp eye pains, although people will describe claw-like sharp pain, boring and throbbing sensations. An attack lasts 2-30 minutes. Roughly half of people pace the floor like people with cluster headache do. Some people with Paroxysmal Hemicrania lie still like people with Migraine. This headache responds to strong anti-inflammatories – classically Indometacin.
• SUNCT Syndrome: S = Sudden, U = Unilateral (one-sided), N = Neuralgiform headache, C = Conjunctival injection (reddening of the white of the eye), T = Tears. Each individual pain spike in SUNCT last from 5 seconds to 5 minutes. Pain is excruciating, shock-like, pricking, piercing or burning.

Sharp Head Pains can come in runs lasting up to 20 minutes.There are also people who will have up to 3 hours of moderate background pain with very frequent spikes of pain on top of this. SUNCT Syndrome is difficult to treat. Lamotrigine has a small chance of reducing the pain of SUNCT.

• Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Syndrome (PEPS)

  PEPS can cause bouts of severe sharp eye pain. In PEPS there are also bouts of jaw or rectal pain. Flushing of the skin of face or bottom occurs. Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Syndrome runs in families due to a problem with the Sodium Ion Channel Gene (SCN9A).

• Nummular Headache

  This causes pain in a localised area of the scalp (“nummular” means coin).

  The pain can be dull, and pressure-like, which leads to a mis-diagnosis of tension-headache. Inside this area of dull headache, sharp head pains occur. The scalp is tender at the site of pain, and a small circular area of hair loss can appear in the painful area. Some people who have Shingles (Herpes Zoster Reactivation) affecting the scalp experience nummular headaches.

Causes of Shooting Type Sharp Head Pain

Neuralgia is another word for Shooting Sharp Head Pains.

Sharp Shooting Pains in the Head affect any of the named nerves in the head.

The worst and most common disorder is Trigeminal Neuralgia.

The other neuralgias are:

• Occipital Neuralgia – shooting pain in the back of the head
• Supra-orbital Neuralgia – shooting pains above one eye – sometimes due to a tight pair of goggles or helmet.
• Auriculotemporal Neuralgia – shooting pains in front of the ear and up the side of the head
• Nervus Intermedius Neuralgia – a deep shooting pain inside the ear or back of throat
• Sphenopalatine Neuralgia – shooting pain in the back of the throat
• Infra-orbital Neuralgia – shooting pain under one eye
• Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia – severe shooting pain in the throat provoked by swallowing
• Superior Laryngeal Neuralgia – severe shooting throat pain
• Naso-ciliary Neuralgia – sharp pain over the tip of the nose
• Third Occipital Neuralgia – sharp pains in the back of head and top of neck

Sharp Head Pain Provoked by Cough, Exercise, Sleep, Sex or Cold Temperature

Sometimes “sharp pain” describes a pain provoked by a particular action.

Ice-Pick Headaches are unprovoked. Here are the provoked sharp head pains:

1. Cough Headache

   This headache is exclusively provoked by coughing. The pain is sharp, bursting or stabbing and affects both sides of the head. Chiari Malformation is the most common cause found.

2. Exertional Headache

   Exertional Headache is described as an explosive or pulsating headache. However it may be described as “sharp”.

   Sinus disease, Subarachnoid Haemorrhage and raised intracranial pressure are causes of exertional headache. Angina can cause an exercise induced headache called Cardiac Cephalalgia.

   However, most people with exertional headache do not have a cause identified.

   Always investigate an Exertional Headache – ideally with an MRI of Head.

3. Hypnic Headache

   Hypnic Headache wakens you from sleep. Going to bed, you are is pain free, only to be woken at the same time every night. The pain of Hypnic Headache is intense, diffuse and lasts anything from 30 to 180 minutes.

   If you fall asleep after an episode of Hypnic Headache you may be woken again later by another attack.

   Lithium Carbonate is the drug of choice 70% responding. Caffeine helps many people with Hypnic Headaches.

4. Headaches During Sex

   Headaches during sex build up as sexual often described as a sharp head pain. A serious cause such as subarachnoid haemorrhage needs to be ruled out after a first episode of orgasmic headache.

   The most common cause is Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS), which causes bouts of painful spasm of arteries in the brain. RCVS takes several weeks or months to resolve.

5. Brain Freeze

Eating ice-cream or an iced drink induces intense sharp head pain as every school child knows.

The technical term is ‘cold-stimulus headache’ which is more common in people with migraine.

What to do about Sharp Head Pain

In most cases you have Ice-Pick Headaches, and in the background lurks Migraine, Tension-Type Headache or Cluster Headache. If you have any of these three headaches you manage these headaches in a standard manner and the sharp head pains usually reduce.

If you are free from rarer headaches, and do not suffer Migraine, Tension-Type Headache or Cluster Headache, it is likely you have Ice-Pick Headache. At worst you may need strong painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

If you struggle with headaches you need to know that you are safe – it’s your first step to getting control.

Once you know you are safe do whatever you can to get control of headaches.

At one time or another, we have all experienced dull or stabbing pains in the left temple of the head.

Usually, pain in your left temple is caused by tension, stress, sinus issues, or even consuming cold products such as ice cream too fast.

In certain cases, your left temple pain can be caused by a more serious issue such as temporal arteritis, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), a brain tumor, or a stroke.

Before you attempt to treat a headache or pain pulsating in the temple of the head, it is important to understand the possible cause and note any other symptoms.

We shall investigate what causes pain in the left temple and how to treat pain in left temple.

In this article:

What Causes Pain in the Left Temple of the Head and How to Treat It?

1. Temporal Arteritis affects the temporal arteries that stem from the neck’s carotid artery. Although there is no concrete reason as to why these arteries become inflamed, researchers believe a person’s low functioning immune system is the cause.

Along with a pain in the left temple, people report fever, sweating, muscle weakness and aches, loss of appetite and fatigue as symptoms. It is treated with steroids.

2. Tension-induced pain is caused by stress, lack of sleep or food, poor posture, and muscle tension. The temporary pain feels like pressure is being applied to the temple and has no other symptoms.

Treatment is usually over-the-counter pain medication, meditation, yoga or massage. Long-term prevention suggestions include drinking plenty of water, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and proper posture and an ergonomic workstation.

3. Occipital Neuralgia headaches are caused by damage or injury to the nerves located at the base of the skull.

Sharp, stabbing pain in the left temple of the head can be accompanied by sensitivity to light and to touch.

Initial treatment includes rest, over-the-counter pain pills, and a heating pad on the neck.

Depending on the strength and time-length of the pain, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, strong pain medications, or injections of nerve blockers and steroids.

4. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome pain can be caused by damage or injury to the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and is classified by inflammatory joint issues, internal joint derangement, and myofascial pain.

This can happen with injury to your teeth or jaw, grinding, stress, gum chewing, and even arthritis.

Treatments include ice packs, massage, over-the-counter pain medications, dental splints, Botox injections, or surgery.

5. Sinus pain evolves from inflamed membranes around the sinus cavity. The pain of the left temple can also radiate to the eyes, cheeks, and across the forehead.

Treatment is usually over-the-counter pain relivers or a prescribed medication.

6. Stroke episodes can present a sharp pain in the left temple accompanied by muscle weakness and numbness, especially in the arms, and slurred speech.

Treatment is dependent on the response time and any damage to the body.

An overall healthy lifestyle complete with exercise, diet, and good health can help prevent a stroke from occurring.

7. Migraine pain can literally knock a person off their feet as physical movement, sounds, and light can cause the severe pain to become worse.

Other symptoms include tingling sensations, nausea, vomiting, and vision issues such as flashes of light.

Treatment varies from rest, meditation, pain relievers, and prescription remedies to long-term treatments such as Botox.

Many migraine sufferers also have abnormally low levels of magnesium in the body.

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes several studies which suggest that the use of magnesium could decrease the recurrence of migraine attacks in those with magnesium deficiency.

In fact, one particular study found that people who took magnesium lowered the frequency of attacks by 41.6%. Those who took placebo saw a 15.8% dip in comparison.

It must be noted that magnesium can have an effect on certain prescribed drugs such as muscle relaxers, diuretics, antibiotics, and heart medications.

8. Brain tumors may be the first thing some people fear with severe pain of the head.

While there are many other causes of this type of worsening pain, a brain tumor also has symptoms of vision, speech, and hearing difficulties as well as nausea and vomiting, and changes in behavior patterns.

Treatments vary depending on the tumor and can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and drug therapy.

9. Cluster headache pain affects men four times more than women and attacks usually around the same time daily over a period of several weeks.

Intense, constant pain is usually followed by a runny nose with red, watery eyes.

This condition is rare and is treated with pain relievers, oxygen, and prescribed medication.

10. Nummular headaches may also cause pain in the left temple of the head. This rare form of head pain covers a circumference of one to six centimeters in size.

The mild to severe pain may vary but never falters from the originating area.

The sharp, stabbing pain may present as a constant pressure with accompanying symptoms of numbness, tingling, or tenderness to the touch.

11. Cervicogenic headaches in the left temple region are often distinguished by their occurrence with a sharp positioning of the head and neck. This type may also result from holding the neck in one position for a prolonged period of time.

The headache may present as a constant pain that is felt in this region of the head and possibly on the left side of the face.

The pain may last up to a few days and may intensify with a deep breath, sneeze, or cough.

A stiffness in the neck can also accompany the headache as can nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.

12. Giant cell arteritis may cause a left temple headache, and is also referred to as cranial arteritis, temporal arteritis, and Horton disease. The blood vessels within the region become inflamed and restrict the blood flow.

This rare condition may also cause the shoulders and neck to become rigid or stiff, fever, chewing difficulty, and temple headache. A direct cause is not known.

13. Ice-pick headaches are temporary but cause overwhelming pain in the temple and eye region.

Associated with cluster and migraine headaches, this pain is not directly caused by any disorder or health issue.

There is no specified treatment due to the short time they last, but you should visit your doctor if you have constant jabs of pain near your eyes.

14. Food-induced headache pains in the left temple of the head are linked to the ingredients monosodium glutamate, nitrates, and sulfites within the food consumed.

This includes spices, seasonings, wine, chocolate, processed meat and canned foods, and food served in some Chinese restaurants and take-outs.

The pain may be accompanied by muscle tension, breathing difficulty, and excessive sweating. Reaction to the food usually is noticeable within the first half hour of consuming the elements.

Common Headache Treatments to Help Treat Pain in Left Temple

Minor or infrequent headaches usually are no cause for concern and can be treated by various home remedies. Before you reach for your over-the-counter pain reliever, try some of the following suggestions.

Occasional Sharp Pain Above Right Temple Side

• Rest quietly in a dimly lit room.
• Place a cold compress to the affected area.
• Unwind in a hot bath or shower.
• Take a walk in fresh air.
• Work through a stress headache with a
  moderate exercise routine.
• Consume foods rich in fiber, protein, and
  vitamins.
• Massage lightly the affected area
• Take deep, long breaths to fill the lungs with
  oxygen.

Just like many health concerns, reoccurring or severe headaches should be checked out by a medical professional.

While most headaches are caused by poor eating habits, fatigue, stress, and poor posture, it can also be a symptom of an underlying health issue.

When to See a Doctor

Pain in the left temple may be an indication of a serious underlying health condition and may require medical attention.

A noticeable length of time of the pain, the severity, one’s gender and age, and accompanying symptoms should be considered with left temple pain.

A lasting headache pain that is not alleviated by natural remedies, or by the use of an over-the-counter medication, should not be ignored.

If the pain is sudden and excruciating, seek medical attention immediately.
Mild to severe headaches of any sort may be a serious concern once you reach the age of 50. Women of this age should take special precaution to seek medical advice with a headache as there is a higher risk of blood vessels rupturing, causing a cerebral aneurysm.

Pay Attention to Pain in the Left Temple of the Head

A pain in the left temple of the head can present as a dull ache or may be severe enough to cause a disruption to daily activities, and may last for days.

Most cases are caused by temporary tension, stress, or a mild case of a sinus infection. These headaches can be easily treated by resting in a quiet, dark room, or by taking deep breaths in fresh air with a walk.

Severe pain in the left temple may require medical attention as it can be caused by an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed with prescribed medication or medical procedures.

The timing, lasting effects, severity, and any accompanying symptoms with a left head temple pain are indications of whether the cause is acute or chronic.

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Occasional Sharp Pain Above Right Temple In Head

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