Sharp shooting pains in ear, headaches and teeth aches

[amywatson]

Hi,

I have complete hearing loss in my left ear. I am 19 years old and my deafness was diagnosed when I was 7.

When I was 15 i started having sharp shooting pains in my ear. they came rarely, about once a month or so werent big concern, even though they did hurt a lot. But in feb 2004, my earaches became really frequent and I consulted a doctor and was told that it would be an ear infection. But nothing really changed by medication,  and over months slowly the ear pains became less frequent. Interestingly, my ear pains came mostly in my right side (functional ear), although once in a while I had really sharp pains even in my left ear. After these ear aches I would have residual headaches- they would last a while. I was also known to have severe headaches frequently, with no particular reasons.

I would  once in a while get these really shooting pains, but they have been very infrequent in last 3 years. However since last year I have started having sharp teeth aches and they occur in random teeth and not a specific one. THey are pretty sharp, i cant use that teeth to touch anything- for about half a day - to a day. Then they go back to being normal, like it never happened. However, recently my ear aches are back and very frequent. And they are hurting a lot. Along with that I have these headaches. And once again my headaches are becoming frquent.

What is my problem? I cannot connect these events to any particular reason, they seem random. They are almost always on right side, although i have experienced some pains in my left ear. They are really not letting me concentrate on my studies. After my ear aches I feel that another one can come anytime, and they are pretty painful.

AMrita

[maisie677]

hi i keep getting these shooting pains going through my ear roughly about every half an hour and it keeps me up mostly all night because its so uncomfortable to sleep with...no tablets are working like the doctor told me to use...ive been looking up TMJ on the internet and it sounds like i have that but im not sure how to get help to cure it? as im doing my GCSE's soon so i need help before them othrwise i wont be able to concrntrate :/ any clue on how to help? Thanks.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Your symptoms are quite suggestive of TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder occurs in people who chew gum or clench their teeth.
Do you have any such history?
TMJ can cause ear pains and pain in the teeth. Pain in the teeth occurs due to malocclusion. Wearing a mouth guard generally helps. Please discuss this possibility with your treating doctor.
Do keep us informed!