Getting Pulsating Pain In Temple And Behind Eye. Should I Consult A Doctor?

Posted on Sun, 7 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 Answered on

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi.. I have had pulsating pain in my right temple and behind my eye for 3 days now. When I lay still I start to feel way better but the moment I move it is back. The pain is effecting the entire right side of my face and neck but the worst is my temple. It is similar to an ice cream headache in sharpness. Should I go to the er?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (12 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. It is a very good question. Although it may be a simple migraine, it could also be temporal arthritis. In this kind of headache the person might lose her vision if she delays in going to Emergency room. They test ESR (estimated sedimentation rate) and it can show if it might be temporal arthritis. Otherwise, it is very similar to migraine. Migraine headaches are sometimes hard to control when they start. Some drugs from the class of ergo are strong enough to abort them though. When it is proven that it is migraine, they may give you a medication to prevent the attacks. I wish you a good health.

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

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (7 minutes later)

I have a pituitary adnoma and a cyst in my spinal cord, could this be related ? Ive also had a cervical fusion.

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (5 hours later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. Pituitary adenomas can cause headaches in general. The kind of headaches you have should be investigated more as it was mentioned. Best wishes with your lab result.

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