Alternating pain between the temples and the back of the head
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Pain alternating between the temples and the back of the head may be caused by physiological factors, or conditions such as migraines or cervical spondylosis, and targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Besides these common causes, other factors such as anemia, hypertension, or cerebral hemorrhage could also be responsible. In such cases, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent worsening of the condition.
Generally, alternating pain between the temples and the back of the head may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from conditions such as migraines or cervical spondylosis. Targeted treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If one has recently neglected proper sleep habits and frequently stayed up late, leading to insufficient brain rest, mild headaches may occur. The location of the headache is usually not fixed and symptoms typically improve after adequate rest. If there are no other discomforts, this generally does not require concern.
2. Disease-Related Factors
1) Migraine
Migraines are commonly associated with factors such as cold exposure or mental stress, which can cause cerebral blood vessels to dilate, resulting in headaches. This may manifest as alternating pain in the temples and the back of the head, often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms. It is recommended to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets under a doctor's guidance.
2) Cervical Spondylosis
In patients with cervical spondylosis, irritation of surrounding nerves and blood vessels can lead to insufficient cerebral blood supply, causing headaches along with symptoms such as dizziness and numbness in the upper limbs. In such cases, medications like Jingfukang granules or micronized purified flavonoid fraction tablets (e.g., MPFF) should be taken under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, other potential factors include anemia, hypertension, or cerebral hemorrhage. In such situations, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent worsening of the condition.
