HomeAnswersNeurologymigraineWhy do I have throbbing pain in my temple?

Why am I having intense throbbing pain in the temple?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At March 5, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 30, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a sufferer of hemiplegic migraine. However, I had unusual collapses three months back. The first one was 40 minutes; I could not recall the whole of that period. I came back with an injured knee and felt dazed. I was fine after around two hours. The next day, I felt pressure in my head and as though I was about to die. I then could not recall getting home or the rest of the night. I was fine in the morning. Two days later, I felt horrendous pain in my head, felt like I was swimming, then tried to go home and again could not recall from deciding to go home to around two hours later and I was foggy for the rest of the night. I have had constant pain in the left side of my head above the temple for four years. It does not go. However, In the past two weeks, I have felt like it is throbbing and at times about to burst out. I was meant to see my neurologist three months back, but his receptionist did not follow the recommendation, and now I am unsure whether to have the tests done. I feel like we are playing with my life. Usually, I am pretty relaxed about the possibilities and know it is a migraine. But this feels different. This feels like intense throbbing above my ear from the temple along towards the back of my head, with a pain in my ear to just behind my jaw under my ear. My instinct says that an aneurysm needs ruling out. I do not know if I am just upset because it feels so different and this pressure is intense. It is a weird feeling. I currently take Sumatriptan as needed. Please, can you advise what to do? As it stands the next neuro appointment is after four months, added complication is that I have been breathless and unable to climb stairs without stopping and panting for past four months. I am having heart tests on the weekend. But, what do I do about my brain?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I agree with you on the fact that when dealing with hemiplegic migraine, it is necessary excluding a brain aneurysm or any arteriovenous malformation, which may mimic this clinical situation. That is why it is necessary performing a brain MRI, which would detect any possible brain aneurysm if present. Regarding the loss of conscience, I would also recommend performing an EEG (electroencephalogram) to investigate for seizures (although 40 minutes is a long period for a seizure, not typical). I would also recommend you to monitor your blood pressure values, and perform some blood laboratory tests as follows: 1. Complete blood count for anemia. 2. Thyroid hormone levels in thyroid dysfunction. 3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sedimentation rate for inflammation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

brain aneurysmmigraine

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Neurology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy