Right temple headache: Most likely causes and treatment

Getting relief from a headache requires figuring out what’s causing it in the first place. The location of your headache can help you determine its type, which in turn helps determine the underlying cause and how to find relief. Headaches on the right side of the head can be caused by muscle tension, migraine, sinus inflammation, and more. They can be remedied by over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, prescription migraine medication, stretching, or hot or cold compresses. 

Below, experts unpack possible causes of a headache on the side of the head, how to get rid of a right temple headache, and when to see a doctor for a headache on the right side. 

What does a headache on the right side mean?

“There are no headache types that are exclusive to the right or left side of the head,” explains Lauren R. Natbony, MD, headache specialist and medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York. However, headaches can occur on just one side. 

There are several possible causes of pain on one side of the head. “Common causes of right temple headache include migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sometimes, sinus headaches,” says Nishant Reddy, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NJ ENT in Marlton, New Jersey.

Migraine headaches

“Migraines are severe headaches that can affect one side of the head,” says Casey Kelley, MD, founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health. 

Typically, migraine causes throbbing pain on the left or right side of the head. But a migraine isn’t just a headache. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances.

Cleveland Clinic refers to migraine as a “neurological disease,” and experts are still trying to pinpoint the exact cause of the condition. If you have a migraine disorder, your migraine headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, diet, lack of sleep, hormonal shifts, and even some lifestyle changes. Keeping a headache diary can help you pinpoint the reason for severe pain from migraine attacks.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, according to the National Institutes of Health. Though tension headaches can cause pain on both sides of the head, you may also experience a tension headache as pressure or an aching pain on the left or right side.

“They are often described as a constant band-like pressure around the head,” says Dr. Kelley about tension headaches. “Stress, poor posture, and muscle tension are common triggers.”

Cluster headaches

A cluster headache causes “severe and excruciating pain that occurs on one side of the head, usually around the eye,” Dr. Natbony says. “The pain can be accompanied by a red or teary eye, swollen or drooping eyelid, nasal congestion, or a runny nose on one side.” 

Cluster headaches are uncommon, and the exact cause is unknown. Patients who get this excruciating type of one-sided headache experience them in clusters—multiple headaches over a period of time followed by a period of remission. 

“They can be seasonal in nature and may be present for weeks at a time before disappearing,” Dr. Natbony says.

Sinus headaches

Sometimes, sinus infections or sinus congestion on one side of your face can cause a one-sided headache that feels like an uncomfortable pressure. However, sinus headaches are more likely to cause pain near your right cheekbone than your right temple.

“When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, it can lead to a sinus headache,” Dr. Kelley says. “Other symptoms of sinusitis may include nasal congestion, facial pain, and a feeling of pressure in the head.”

Cervicogenic headache

A cervicogenic headache is a type of chronic headache caused by an underlying problem affecting the spinal nerves in the neck.

Cervicogenic headaches feel like “dull, aching pain” that starts at the top of the neck and radiates to the head. “These headaches may be triggered by neck movements or certain neck positions. They often result from issues in the cervical spine, such as arthritis or muscle tension,” Dr. Natbony says.

Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the arteries on either or both sides of the head, where it can be felt in the temples.

In addition to a throbbing left or right temple headache, temporal arteritis symptoms may include:

• Temple and scalp tenderness
• Jaw pain
• Vision problems, such as double vision
• Unexplained flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, achiness, and loss of appetite

“Temporal arteritis is a serious medical condition. It can cause vision loss,” Dr. Kelley says. Left untreated, it can also cause a life-threatening aortic aneurysm. 

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is an uncommon type of chronic, one-sided headache. The cause of this headache type is still unknown. It is characterized by “continuous pain with intermittent episodes of more severe throbbing pain,” Dr. Natbony says. “Other symptoms may include tearing, nasal congestion, and ptosis (drooping eyelid) on the affected side.”

Related: What causes headaches every day?

Aneurysm

In very rare cases, sudden, excruciating right temple headache may indicate an aneurysm, which is a medical emergency. The same is true for left temple headaches.

A brain aneurysm is an unnatural bulge in one of the blood vessels in the brain. Unruptured aneurysms do not usually cause symptoms. However, if the aneurysm leaks blood into the brain or bursts, sudden symptoms can occur. 

“If an aneurysm does cause symptoms, it can manifest as a sudden and severe headache, often described as the ‘worst headache of your life.’ The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or intense,” Dr. Kelley says.

Other possible aneurysm symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision changes

“It’s crucial to understand that aneurysms are relatively rare, and most headaches are not caused by them,” Dr. Kelley says. “However, if you or someone else experiences a sudden and severe headache, especially if it is different from previous headaches, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.”

How to get rid of a right temple headache

“Different types of headaches require different treatments,” Dr. Natbony says. While OTC painkillers are likely to help soothe the pain, completely getting rid of a right temple headache may require figuring out what type of headache you have and getting appropriate medical treatment.

Here are some of the doctors’ general recommendations for getting rid of headaches:

• OTC pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can help alleviate headache pain.
• Prescription drugs: Examples include triptans for migraine and indomethacin for hemicrania continua.
• Relaxation: Closing your eyes and resting in a dark, quiet room may relieve headache pain.
• Compresses: “Some people may also find relief from headaches by placing a cold pack on the forehead or a warm compress on the back of the neck,” Dr. Kelley says.
• Hydration. Dehydration can contribute to headaches. Dr. Reddy recommends avoiding caffeine in addition to drinking plenty of water.
• Relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can all soothe headaches, per Dr. Natbony.

When to see a doctor for a right temple headache

A headache on one side of your head, such as your right temple, does not always require medical attention. For example, tension-type headaches often go away on their own or after a dose of OTC painkillers. But it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you start experiencing frequent right-sided headaches or a headache that lasts for several days. Severe symptoms warrant urgent medical care.

If you see a doctor for a right temple headache, expect to answer some questions. The doctor will need to understand your medical history, including results of recent blood tests and symptom severity and frequency.

A primary care physician might refer you to a specialist for further tests.

• “For right-side temple headaches caused by sinus issues, you may need to visit an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor),” Dr. Reddy says.
• “For recurrent right-side headaches, you may need to visit a neurologist,” Dr. Natbony says.
• For right-side headaches that originate in the neck, such as cervicogenic headaches, you may need to visit a physical therapist.

In some cases, a severe right-sided or right-temple headache requires emergency care. Go to the emergency room if you have had a head injury or experience a very sudden, very intense headache. Drs. Kelley and Natbony also suggest emergency medical attention if a severe headache is accompanied by any of the following:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Trouble speaking
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

The majority of headaches are not severe cases. But if you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches or are concerned, it’s best to make an appointment to rule out serious things such as an aneurysm, brain tumor, or other medical problems.