all tired out

I have a knot on my temple that i notined about  four years ago and went to the DR. to have it looked at, he ran blood levels to make sure i was in the limit he said. at the time i didn't worry about it, but now i hurt , it swells up from time to time and i  have since moved and dont even know what this is. I have eye pain alot, and headaches, please tell me what i have and what i can do to solve this.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

If you are older than the age of 55, one potential causes is called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis. This is due to an inflammation in the temporal artery and other arteries in the body. Symptoms include one sided headache pain in the temple and jaw that may be triggered by chewing. This condition can be diagnosed by a blood test called an ESR and a biopsy of the artery. Opthalmologic evaluation (by an eye doctor) is indicated as well. It is very important to rule this diagnosis out as it is highly treatable and if left untreated it can lead to vision loss. It is exceedingly rare in people younger than 55, and is more common in even older age groups. Other causes of eye pain with headaches primary headache disorders (such as migraine, cluster headache, a disorder called SUNCT, and hemicrania continua); each of these have their own treatments. Less common but more serious causes of headache with eye pain include central nervous system disroders such as tumors, vascular malformations, and others.

Another potential cause of temple pain is inflammation or arthritis of the temporo-mandiublar joint, commonly called the TMJ. This can sometimes occur due to bruxism, biting down at night or during the day, and other stresses to the joint. This is best diagnosed/managed by an orthodontist or an ENT, and treatment includes braces and other dental fixtures and sometimes muscle relaxants, depending on the exact cause.

Evaluation by an internist/family physician is recommended; potential tests may include blood testing, imaging of the brain (MRI of the brain would likely provide the most useful information), and referral to an opthalmologist (eye specialist), rheumatologist (if temporal arteritis is suspected) and/or neurologist for the headaches as indicated.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.