pain behind ears

[hperrera]

Does anyone know what  pain behind the right or left ear,  sometimes it is very bad could be?  

[leemalie]

For many years I had episodes of sharp knife-like pains that would shoot from behind or around my ear (either). They would flash about every 30 seconds and were extremely painful. Thankfully they only lasted about a split second, but would repeat again and again for about 10 days. Then it would stop. I thought there was something wrong with my ears. I saw many doctors during those years but none had any answer or help. Normal pain meds did not help.  About 10 years ago I had to find a new family doctor and went to him with this pain. He said he thought it might be shingles. He said sometimes the inflamation of the nerve that causes shingles does not show up with blisters on the outside of the body along the nerve path, but turns inward. He prescribed an anti-viral medication which cleared it up. He has kept me on the anti-viral med as a preventive because I have a number of other serious health issues and a weak immune system. The medication is Zovirax (Acyclovir tab, 400mg). I take one tab twice a day. If this sounds like what you are experiencing I suggest you talk to your doctor. He/she may not agree with the diagnosis, but may be willing to try. Good luck.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

This could be any number of things from a sinus infection, to swollen lymph glands, to stress.  Some people grind their teeth and get pain behind their ears from moving their jaw around.  If this pain is very bothersome and you are concerned then I would bring it up when you see your doctor next.  You could also see an ENT specialist.  Good luck

Bridget