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What Causes Dull Throbbing Pain On Left Side Of Head Radiating To Left Temple Area?

Posted on Sat, 9 May 2015

Question: Earlier today ( as I was eating lunch) I got a sudden dull throbbing pain on left side of head which spread to left temple area and down to left side of face. This got better over course of a couple of hours but still have some dull pain by left ear. However I also developed a sharp pain at the base of my skull (left side) which mostly hurts if I smile or laugh. Also my left eye is teary. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
TMJ disorder, wisdom tooth infection, medication

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the pain in the ear region, and Base of the skull is concerned, I have two possibilities.
It can be because of the disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint. The other possible cause can be a impacted wisdom tooth or infection from wisdom tooth.
These two conditions can produce radiating pain to ear neck and Base of the skull region. Nothing to be panic, consult a oral physician and get it evaluated. You need to take radiography like OPG to confirm the diagnosis.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, if i am your treating doctor, i would have advised you take a course of antibiotics like amoxycillin and metronidazole (if you are not allergic) for the tooth infection and pain killers like piroxicam for joint disorders.

Regarding the watery eyes you need to consult an ophthalmologist.

I hope I have answered your query. If any queries are there reply me back.
take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (40 minutes later)

You don't think the eye is related to the pain and pressure? I was wondering about pressure on a nerve somewhere.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not related to pain and pressure, consult ophthalmologist

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback. It is not related to the TMJ or tooth related. It has to be ruled out from an ophthalmologist. So consult ophthalmologist and get it evaluated.

I hope I have answered your query. Take care.

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. Shanthi.E