A temporal migraine trigger site is the specific area in the temple where headache pain consistently begins. In some patients, this may be related to irritation or compression of a small peripheral sensory nerve located outside the skull. Surrounding muscle, fascia, scar tissue or nearby blood vessels may contribute to this irritation.

Although the pain starts in one location, it may spread to the forehead, scalp, eye, ear or jaw as the headache develops. Temporal migraine surgery is a peripheral nerve procedure, it does not involve the brain or surgery inside the skull. Because not every migraine or temple headache is caused by peripheral nerve compression, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine whether a temporal trigger site may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.

You may be a candidate if your headaches have been evaluated by a qualified clinician, consistently begin in the same temple location, significantly affect daily life, and have not improved enough with appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Dr. Johnson may also consider examination findings and, when appropriate, the results of diagnostic nerve blocks or other targeted testing. Surgery is less likely to help when pain is diffuse, does not begin in a reproducible location, or is primarily caused by another condition. While many patients experience meaningful improvement, results cannot be guaranteed.

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, or temporary changes in sensation may occur after temporal migraine surgery and often improve during the first several days. Most patients should avoid strenuous activity for about three weeks, although recovery instructions may vary based on the procedure performed. Headache improvement can occur gradually as swelling decreases and the treated nerves heal. Any changes to migraine medication should be discussed with the prescribing clinician.