What Causes Moderate Pressure In Temple Area In My Head?

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: Im having small to moderate pressure inbetween eyes and ears, close to the temple area in my head, what could be causing that. I have no known pre-existing problems other then generalized anxiety order which i have been off medication for 10 years now. I have also been told to monitor my blood pressure by my primary care physician Because it was a bit high during my physical a couple of months ago. Since i have been self checking b.p. for past two months my average reading is 133/78. I also checked it today once yesterday 139/82 and today 127/72.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tension type headache most probable diagnosis.

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

Looking at your description of the symptoms the most probable diagnosis of your headache is tension type headache. It is a primary headache meaning without an identifiable cause. It is by far the most common type of headache which most people do experience at some point or the other during the lifetime.
It is triggered and exacerbated by stress and anxiety so your background of anxiety issues makes you more predisposed to it.
Treatment consists of stress relaxation techniques and over the counter painkillers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. In chronic cases prophylactic (preventive) treatment can be considered, the most used medication for that is Amitriptyline.

I don't think it is related to those blood pressure values. Since you are close to the threshold for a diagnosis of high blood pressure it is wise of you to measure it from time to time, but those values are not usually causing headache.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (18 minutes later)

Thank you. It has lasted on and off now for a few days. I have been under a bit more stress than normal over the last week or so, as i am a snow removal contractor and we have been very busy and not getting much rest as of late

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, that info reinforces the diagnosis. Since the situation will hopefully be temporary, related to extra load, I would simply try to take it as easy as possible, sleep well and the painkillers I mentioned when necessary.

Wouldn't rush into prophylactic treatment just yet.

I wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar