Left Temporalis Muscle Swelling: Seeking Advice
Hello everyone! I'm a 29-year-old male from Hungary, standing at 186 cm tall, and being bald allows me to observe the shape of my temporalis muscle very clearly, particularly when I shave my head. Recently, I noticed that the area around my left temporalis muscle appears swollen. When I touch it, it feels soft, indicating that there's some edema present. What are some immediate steps I can take? Additionally, whenever I gently press on that area or stroke it, I experience a sensation of fullness in my ear, along with some unusual feelings akin to slight headaches and mild dizziness. I've been using a bite guard for the past six months, but it hasn’t alleviated these symptoms at all. Strangely, the right side of my head feels completely fine, while the left side seems to be the issue. What home remedies could I try to alleviate the swelling? Has anyone else experienced something similar? By the way, being 29 years old, my doctors believe that conditions like giant cell arteritis are unlikely for my age group. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 10:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
Swelling in the temporalis muscle area with accompanying sensations in the ear and mild dizziness can be concerning, and it's good that you're seeking advice. It sounds like you may have localized swelling that could be related to muscle strain, inflammation, or a possible issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), especially given your use of a bite guard. Here’s how you can approach this situation:
Explanation
The temporalis muscle is located on the side of your head and is involved in chewing. Swelling in this area might be caused by muscle overuse or tension, inflammation, or potentially issues related to your bite. The sensations in your ear and slight headaches might be connected to TMJ problems or perhaps referred pain from the muscle itself.
Immediate Steps
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Rest and Ice: Resting your jaw and avoiding activities that may strain the temporalis muscle (like chewing tough foods) can help. Applying an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the swollen area for about 15-20 minutes, a few times a day, can reduce inflammation.
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Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce swelling, if you're not contraindicated for these medications.
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Gentle Stretching: Performing gentle stretching exercises for your jaw can alleviate tension. Slowly open and close your mouth, and gently move your jaw side to side.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water, which helps with overall muscle function and can aid in reducing swelling.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms over the next few days. If swelling persists or worsens, or if you develop more severe symptoms (like increased dizziness or weakness), you may need to seek further evaluation.
Additional Considerations
Since you haven’t found relief with the bite guard, consider discussing its fit or material with your dentist. Sometimes, adjustments or alternative treatments might be necessary. If symptoms do not improve in a week, or if they worsen, seeking medical advice would be advisable to rule out any underlying conditions.
Your wellbeing is important, and I hope these steps help you find relief. Feel free to reach out if you need more assistance or updates!
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