Right temple headache

Tension can feel like pressure across the forehead or temple and may follow stress, poor sleep, jaw clenching or prolonged screen use. Migraine may cause throbbing pain with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, sometimes on one side. A blocked or inflamed nose can create facial pressure, while a cold or COVID-19 may bring headache with other illness symptoms. Heat exposure and dehydration can also contribute. Anxiety can increase muscle tension and make pain feel more persistent.

The side of the headache does not identify its cause. Describe when it started, how quickly it reached its strongest point, associated symptoms, triggers and any new medicines to a clinician.

Rest in a quiet, cool place, drink fluids if you can, eat regularly and take breaks from screens. Use a usual over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have another condition or take other medicines. Recurrent headaches, headaches changing pattern, or pain needing frequent medication deserve a medical review.

Seek emergency care for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, stiff neck with fever, new vision loss, or headache after a serious head injury. Urgent assessment is also needed for a severe headache with persistent vomiting or a very high temperature.

Ask whether the pattern fits migraine, tension or sinus-related pain, whether your medicines could contribute, what a safe pain plan looks like, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care.