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What Causes Pain And Sensitivity At The Temple Area?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Question: I have a pain at the temple but when I apply pressure it goes and if I touch the top of my head close to that same temple it's sensitive to the touch

didn;t realize that this question would take so long to answer
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible emergency- Arteritis Horton Headache

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your question.

I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

The way you are describing it, it may be a common headache but also we will need to rule out Temporal Arteritis Horton, which is a type of headache very dangerous because may give permanent blindness.
So, if first remember if you have hit the head or not. Because in this case we will know that the headache and head tenderness it is from that.

If not, I would recommend going to the ER and do a erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood test. If ≥ 50 mm/hour, then we can say that it is most probably the diagnoses that we suspected. If this is it, then you will need to take a treatment with steroids while you wait for the result of the biopsy which confirms the diagnoses.

This diagnoses- it is an emergency, because you may lose your vision. I can say, take an Ibuprofen and lets wait, but if we miss that diagnoses then would be very bad. So to be sure my recommendation would be to go the the ER, tell the doctors the same thing you told me and do the suggested labs.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns. I would like to follow-up with you though if possible.
Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
well this ache has been about 5 days i'm sure that is pertinent info but I forgot to put that in as part of the problem
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Keep that diagnoses in mind anyway.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up and the relevant info that you provided.

It is certainly reassuring a bit that it may not be Temporal Arteritis, but it still can be because the symptoms are very typical. Keep it in mind and go immediately to the ER if you notice changes in your vision. I don't want to scare you...I just want to make you alert and inform you about this rare, but important diagnoses.

Then the other option of having tenderness in that area it is either because of trauma, or hair pulling that you haven't noticed how it happened most probably- happens sometimes.

So this is how I would recommend treating the headache:
-- Take Ibuprofen 400mg as needed, but XXXXXXX every 6 hours.
-- Try not to tie tight your hair for some days, use a soft pillow if you have a hard one.
-- Rest, drink plenty of fluids.

I hope this is helpful and that I answered your questions.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Sensitivity At The Temple Area?

Brief Answer: Possible emergency- Arteritis Horton Headache Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your question. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. The way you are describing it, it may be a common headache but also we will need to rule out Temporal Arteritis Horton, which is a type of headache very dangerous because may give permanent blindness. So, if first remember if you have hit the head or not. Because in this case we will know that the headache and head tenderness it is from that. If not, I would recommend going to the ER and do a erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood test. If ≥ 50 mm/hour, then we can say that it is most probably the diagnoses that we suspected. If this is it, then you will need to take a treatment with steroids while you wait for the result of the biopsy which confirms the diagnoses. This diagnoses- it is an emergency, because you may lose your vision. I can say, take an Ibuprofen and lets wait, but if we miss that diagnoses then would be very bad. So to be sure my recommendation would be to go the the ER, tell the doctors the same thing you told me and do the suggested labs. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions or concerns. I would like to follow-up with you though if possible. Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako