What Causes Painful Muscle Twitching Behind Left Ear?

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: Hello! I've got painful muscle twitching behind my left ear every few seconds, probably coming from base of my scull. Neck is feeling very tense. What it could be? Muscle relaxants and Panadol are helping for a while, and then it starts again when their effect is wearing off. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be vitamin and trace elements deficiency.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.You may be having muscle pain related to vitamin and trace elements deficiency. You can take multivitamin and trace elements supplements. You can get your vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels checked and take supplements of these( vitamin D3 and Mecobalamine respectively) if levels found low.
Such muscle pains are also caused by anxiety or anxiety may contribute to it. So anxiolytic such as alprazolam can be of use, but it is a prescription medication. You can continue with medicines you are already taking for pain relief. If it doesn't decrease then you will need MRI of cervical spine.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (16 minutes later)

Thanks for answering my question. Is there possibility of pinched nerve in cervical spine? If so, what can be done? Is it going to settle down with massage and exercises?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is possibility but lesser probability.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
Acute disc prolapse and pinched nerve can be possibility however it is among less likely cause. It can be confirmed by MRI cervical spine . Primary treatment of it rest ( cervical collar may be used)and analgesic such as ibuprofen. If pain is not relieved by ibuprofen then strong analgesic such as Tramadol is advised. Massage and excercises are not advised in acute disc prolapse. Mecobalamine help in nerve recovery. Rest already discussed.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho

Wishing you good health
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj