Why Have I Had Intermittent Headaches For Over 2 Months And Pressure In The Temples Despite Taking Medication?

Posted on Thu, 29 Dec 2022

Question: I have had intermittent headaches for the last 2 months. Blood tests and a CT Brain catscan revealed nothing abnormal. I feel the pressure in each side of the temple areas. I am 69 1/2 years old and have never had headache issues before. I have worn a plastic mouthpiece from my dentist the last 2 years because I grind my teeth. I've tried Excedrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofin, Bayer aspirin, etc., and nothing has alleviated the headaches. I would appreciate any advice-Thanks

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get evaluated by a neurologist

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Headache bi-temporally may be due stress related probably chronic tension type headache.
Other possibility may be giant cell arteritis but it is usually unilateral at onset and also associated with visual impairment.
You should take proper sleep, avoid stress, alcohol.
Drugs like amitriptyline or nortriptyline or sertraline can be useful.
Get evaluated by a Neurologist for prescription and dosages of medications.
For giant cell arteritis, ESR should be tested and corticosteroid should be used.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further information.

Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T