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What Causes Dull Headache, Earache On Left Side And Neck Soreness?
Posted on
Tue, 14 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 14 Jul 2015
Answered on
Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi -
I have been having a dull headache, earache on left side and neck soreness where my skull meets my neck for about 4 days. Aleve seems to help, but it comes back. I wake up at night, but the pain isn't more severe. I just wake up. I also have ringing in my ears and my jaw pops when I open and close it. The popping is also on my left side.
I would probably just try to shake it off, but I am a triple negative breast cancer survivor. I had my mastectomy in January 2014 and I was stage 1, no node involvement, clear margins, and have been doing great. My bloodwork in April was great. I just still worry about a brain tumor. My balance is fine. I am not nauseated. My cognitive abilities seem alright to me.
What could this be?
I have been having a dull headache, earache on left side and neck soreness where my skull meets my neck for about 4 days. Aleve seems to help, but it comes back. I wake up at night, but the pain isn't more severe. I just wake up. I also have ringing in my ears and my jaw pops when I open and close it. The popping is also on my left side.
I would probably just try to shake it off, but I am a triple negative breast cancer survivor. I had my mastectomy in January 2014 and I was stage 1, no node involvement, clear margins, and have been doing great. My bloodwork in April was great. I just still worry about a brain tumor. My balance is fine. I am not nauseated. My cognitive abilities seem alright to me.
What could this be?
Brief Answer:
pains at Base of skull and left side of face and ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to health care magic!
I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.
First of all it is sad to know what you had been through. You seem like a brave person to have come through all that quite willfully.
Coming to your current problem, as all symtoms refer to, can be due to nerve compression, which is likely any division of 5th,6th or 7th cranial nerves.
If it's not associated with swelling or temperature, presence of inflammation or infection is less likely.
It can also be simple toothache with referring of pain to other sites, as it may happen with tooth pains.
You also need to be examined by an ENT specialist to rule out presence of all these, along with looking for parotitis or temporo-mandibular joint involvements.
You may be asked for CT scan of head and paranasal sinuses with contrast, as that may be essentially needed to suggest a final diagnosis, and rule out possibilities of tumor, local lesion at Base of skull or any inflammation or collection.
Meanwhile try using pain killers like acetaminophen and in severe cases an NSAID medicine after discussing with your GP.
Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me generously before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.
pains at Base of skull and left side of face and ears.
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to health care magic!
I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.
First of all it is sad to know what you had been through. You seem like a brave person to have come through all that quite willfully.
Coming to your current problem, as all symtoms refer to, can be due to nerve compression, which is likely any division of 5th,6th or 7th cranial nerves.
If it's not associated with swelling or temperature, presence of inflammation or infection is less likely.
It can also be simple toothache with referring of pain to other sites, as it may happen with tooth pains.
You also need to be examined by an ENT specialist to rule out presence of all these, along with looking for parotitis or temporo-mandibular joint involvements.
You may be asked for CT scan of head and paranasal sinuses with contrast, as that may be essentially needed to suggest a final diagnosis, and rule out possibilities of tumor, local lesion at Base of skull or any inflammation or collection.
Meanwhile try using pain killers like acetaminophen and in severe cases an NSAID medicine after discussing with your GP.
Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me generously before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.
Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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