From the Research
Pulsation in the temple is most commonly caused by the temporal artery and can be a normal sensation, but it can also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as temporal arteritis, which requires prompt medical attention. The temporal artery runs along the side of the head and can sometimes be felt pulsating, representing blood flowing through the artery with each heartbeat. Several conditions can make this pulsation more noticeable or concerning, including:
- High blood pressure, which can increase the force of arterial pulsations, making them more prominent 1
- Anxiety and stress, which can temporarily elevate blood pressure and heart rate, enhancing the sensation
- Migraines or tension headaches, which can cause increased blood flow to the head, resulting in more noticeable temple pulsations
- Temporal arteritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the temporal artery, which can cause painful pulsations and requires prompt medical attention, with high-dose steroids being the recommended treatment 2
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to more pronounced pulsations 3
If temple pulsations are accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, jaw pain when chewing, or scalp tenderness, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out serious conditions like temporal arteritis. It is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when evaluating and managing temple pulsations, and to consider the potential benefits and risks of different treatments, such as steroids and antihypertensive medications. Prompt medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist or worsen, and a temporal artery biopsy should be considered if temporal arteritis is suspected.