I'm glad you all have posted this here. I have been having this mystery pain (just under surface of skin in left temporal area, centered about an inch back into the hairline and radiating outward in all directions about 3 inches. It seems similar to the sensation of a bruise. Very light pain if not touched, but painful if I flex my scalp, jaw or touch the area. I would expect this result if I had used a cement block for a pillow, or had taken a blow to the head. Nothing like that has occurred. I simply woke up a few days ago with this pain.

I see that suggestions include shingles, neuralgia, hair follicle infection and sinuses. At this point I am going to try to do a lymph massage and drain my sinuses as that is the easiest method. Second, I will try valtrex while also making an appointment to see the Dr. for further analysis.

Thank you for posting your experiences and solutions here as my first fear was brain tumor.