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Suggest Treatment For Sharp And Shooting Pain In The Temple Area

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Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016
Question: For the past two days, I have had a sharp, shooting pain in my right temple.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

One possibility as the cause of this pain which should be looked at is that of temporal arteritis (or giant cell arteritis), a condition which causes inflammation of the temporal artery (an artery which traverses the temple area). It is important to be considered as a cause because if untreated may cause complications including loss of vision. To diagnose inspection of the area is necessary as at times the inflamed artery can be palpated as well as blood tests for an inflammation indicator such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is very high in this condition.
Other possibilities could include trigeminal neuralgia which more commonly causes facial sharp shooting pain.
At times may be an issue with the joint between the mandible and the skull, temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
However the later possibilities are less urgent and do not require urgent treatment, the first possibility does, so should be considered sooner rather than later.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Sharp And Shooting Pain In The Temple Area

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. One possibility as the cause of this pain which should be looked at is that of temporal arteritis (or giant cell arteritis), a condition which causes inflammation of the temporal artery (an artery which traverses the temple area). It is important to be considered as a cause because if untreated may cause complications including loss of vision. To diagnose inspection of the area is necessary as at times the inflamed artery can be palpated as well as blood tests for an inflammation indicator such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is very high in this condition. Other possibilities could include trigeminal neuralgia which more commonly causes facial sharp shooting pain. At times may be an issue with the joint between the mandible and the skull, temporomandibular joint dysfunction. However the later possibilities are less urgent and do not require urgent treatment, the first possibility does, so should be considered sooner rather than later. I remain at your disposal for other questions.