What should you know about swollen temples and headache?

Tight scalp or jaw muscles can make the temples feel tender, while dehydration or heat exhaustion can bring headache, thirst, weakness, and dizziness. Allergic rhinitis, a common cold, chronic sinusitis, or COVID-19 may cause pressure around the face with congestion or other respiratory symptoms. Dengue fever can cause headache with fever and marked illness. Anxiety may increase muscle tension, but visible swelling, a tender vessel, or a new headache pattern should be examined.

Rest somewhere cool and quiet, drink fluids if you can, and note the headache's onset, location, severity, fever, congestion, vision changes, and any recent heat exposure. Avoid driving if dizzy or confused. Arrange a clinical review for new temple swelling, repeated headaches, fever, or pain when chewing. Use only pain relief that is suitable for you and follow its label.

Call emergency services for a sudden, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, stiff neck, repeated vomiting, new vision loss, or a severe headache after a head injury. Seek urgent assessment for high fever with rapid worsening, or temple swelling with visual symptoms.

Ask whether the swelling is in the skin, muscle, sinus area, or a blood vessel; whether you need an examination or tests; and which warning symptoms should send you to emergency care.