Strange Pain behind Ear

[Carolk]

I need your help.  I have been experiencing a sharp pain behind my left ear (right where your glasses would sit if you wear them) for the last 4 months.  It feels as if someone stabbed me and left the knife in my head.  It does not throb, it is not a headache, and anti inflamatory meds do not help at all.  I have seen a neurolgist (he did a CTSCAN), a neuroseurgeon (they did a CTA Scan), an ENT, and now have been working with a Physiatrist and Chiropractor combination.  The pain does subside usually around 3:00 pm but is always back in the morning.  So far, no one has any idea what this can be.  Any ideas of what my next steps should be?  This is really starting to impact my work life as it is hard to concentrate with the pain.   I"ve also seen a dentist as I had TMJ issues 20 years ago.  He gave me a splint for my teeth, this also did not make a difference, and I'm working with a massage therapist.  Alas, nothing helps.  THis is driving me crazy.  Not to mention, most of these doctors, don't appear to care (except the physiatrist).

Thanks,

[poohbearhazel]

I have  pains behind my right ear .Every ave   five minutes it is a sharp peircing pain causes me to jerk and twitch,just wondering if you have any suggestions of what might be causing this?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  The CT scan would exclude the major neurological diseases like a mass or bleed.  If there continues to be suspicion regarding neurological causes, an MRI can be pursued.  

I agree with the possibility of TMJ.  You may also want to exclude temporal arteritis, which can be evaluated with a sedimentation rate and possible temporal artery biopsy.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com