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What Causes Pain In The Left Ear?

Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2015

Question: I sometimes get an excruciating pain that appears to come from the joint of the left ear. It comes on slowly and sometimes doesn't get too bad. I've had this for years. My dentist says it's TMJ. A TMJ specialist says there's nothing wrong there. A neurologist says atypical trigeminal neuralgia. But the pain stays in the one area. Sometimes I can push, pull and massage it away. When this works, it will go quickly. Sometimes the pain is excruciating upon sudden changes in head position. It feels like the vein in that area is throbbing when I have the pain. any ideas

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out migraine component(vasomotor)

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir

In my opinion trigeminal neuralgia is unlikely becoz usually it affects a dermatome and TMJ pain alone is not entitled for diagnosis. I need imaging study reports of your TMJ if done already. But I believe that the further treatment plan changes may help you relieve some from pain and improve quality of life.

Don't overdo self maneuvers..
Apply intermittent hot fomentation over region.
I will not suggest ibuprofen for pain relief. You can try combination of acetaminophen and tramadol rather.

Watch for blurring of vision or giddiness or disturbances in maintaining balance. In such a case you need immediate hospitalization.
Further queries are welcome.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina