Ear pain and fullness with headaches and neck pain

[Mels22]

I was wondering, does anyone have ear pain without any ear problems?
I have been checked out by Neuro, ENT and GP and NOTHING. I'm wondering if I have TMJ but I don't know.
Here are my symptoms...
Right ear pain
Right ear fullness/ringing
Pain behind right eye
spot headaches on right side
grinding teeth at night
stiff neck - going into my shoulders

I had an MRI/MRA back in Oct and all it showed was chronic sinusitis which I am being treated for by my ENT however he knows the pain is not coming from my ear. I am worried. Could this be an aneursym? I know a tumor or something like that would have showed on MRI. I've heard horror stories about aneurysms in carotid arteries and next to ear. I'm terrified of dying from one. Does this sound like that? Should I have another test? I am going to see a TMJ specialist in March but I feel I can't wait that long and sadly my birthday is tomorrow and I just want to know what is wrong with me! If anyone could help I would be more than greatful. Does anyone know about TMJ or aneurysms?
I would appreciate it...THANKS and good luck to all of you!

[ZachBrady]

HI it sounds just like tmj...been there, also I'm in the Dental field.  Your regular Dentist should be able to tell you without going to a specialist.  You also can tell by looking at the tops of your teeth and seen if the cusps are getting worn down.  They will have no points and smooth. it sounds like when you sleep your jaw is resting on the right side more, so that is why you have more presure on that side.  all you'll need is a fitted night splint, and you should feel better right away. ear pain is usually associated with tmj. good luck.

[txtony]

im sorry in your first post i did not read you already had an mri/mra done. mra images internal carotid arteries in the brain, that would have definitely showed an brain aneurysm. mri would have showed, avm,tumor,cyst,cancer,
meningiomas,etc..., if all that is worrying you really is dying from an aneurysm, relax you dont have it, yes i agree on horror stories, but youve tested. so relax enjoy life

[Mels22]

Hi, do many people with tmj have localized headaches on one side?  Do they also have ear pain and pain behind the eye?  I find these symptoms weird for tmj.  It worries me.  I just want to make sure it is nothing serious.  do you think it is?  Also I always have a stiff neck.
Thank you!

[Mels22]

Hi and thanks for your response!  Do you think though that an aneurysm could have developed in the last 3 months?  Or some other thing like an AVM?  Or could it have been missed on the test?  I'm just so scared cause the localized headaches, pain behind eyes, pulsatile tinnitus, and all that sounds like an aneursym or something bad doesn't it?  Do you think it could just be TMJ?  Its been 15 days now and I dont know what to do.  Please help and THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blackie64]

I have all those symptoms but I also have a swollen nose would that be tmj

[ZachBrady]

HI Yes TMJ on one side is very common. you may have this condition due to many reasons:
Your jaw may rest to the right when you sleep and cluching or grinding will make that side worse.
you may be a heavier chewer on the one side.
Or if you were ever in a accident and at any time hit your head or jaw, you can start to experience symptoms yrs later.
If you think you grind you must get a night guard asap before you wear down any tooth enamel....then you got big problems. good luck

[txtony]

well, the mri/mra would have shown a developing aneurysm, or avm. an arterial vein malformation gives off symptoms like a cva. so does an aneurysm, in any case the mri scan would have definitely picked it up. an aneurysm is a balooning of an artery in many levels, there can be a dissecting, that is whenit forms a pseudolumen,which fills with blood. in an mra, a intrinsic scan ,detailed, is taken of your artery and the fill of blood in the vessel, if any mentioned above would be the culprit, it would appear. the mri scan looks at the brain in detail, csf,sulcus, deviation any masses,changes,edema,fluid, old vs new cva, its amazingly detailed.  if you had a mass,bleed, a developing aneurysm it would have picked it up.  so iwouldnt worry about that.

[Barb]

My ear ringing / stiff neck / headaches started Christmas Day. I've been to my family MD 3 times. He says nothing is wrong with my ears and the pressure is OK. The ringing is unbelievable. A loud tea kettle sound  and is 100 % worse at night.I can only sleep with the TV on to help muffle the sound ) My headache has almost gone but the ears and neck are worse . As of 2/8/07 the pain is starting in the ears, was all on right, now equal. I'm still over a week away from my Eye/Ear/ Nose Dr. appt.
I've had relief from a bi-weekly Chiropractor ( headaches 95% and neck will improve for 2 to 4 days ).I had had a flu type problem  right before this occured. ( 57 yr. old female in good health )
Can anyone help?

[kdcpink]

Well Barb, I wish I had a solution for you.
You are not alone... I too came down with the same symptoms as you after what started like a flu type illness, turning into a migraine... I've had headaches/head pains, ear fullness, stiff neck as well continuing for the past 2 months.  CT Scan, MRI and allergy tests have shown nothing.  I asked my doctor if it could be a virus going around, and he says no.  Asprins, allergy meds and antibiotics have not helped.  When and if I find something that helps, I will post.
Meanwhile, my thoughts are with all of us who have these crazy symptoms with no answers.  Hang in there.

[ksportsmom]

I to am having the same symptoms.  Going back to the doc again today.  I did feel fluish befor all this came one 3 weeks ago.  but then again, this ear pain comes and goes when it wants to .  Someone told me that it is associated with my jaw not lining up right. I will most definetly talk to the doc on that one.  Good luck, will post something if it works!

[aog1]

It was interesting that I am not suffering these symptoms alone. I have been running and chasing for an answer to no such avail. I am currently suffering ear fullness and pain. My sinuses are somewhat better after 875mg Amox. I encountered a severe sinus infection 2 years ago.(CT scan finally confirmed that). Then still had ear troubles and the Ketek antibiotic didn't help ENT then gave me Levaquin and more steroids(pill & injection) At same time places a vent tube in my left ear. I immediately felt a horrible pressure in my right ear but strangly enough it would sometimes feel like my left ear was full. Then I get right ear tubed. So, for almost 2 years with the tubes and able to fly. Since this episode hit me 2 years ago the right ear always felt off, kind of full. About two months ago my left ear felt horrible when I awoke one morning. Bubbling in left ear. Something wasn't right. ENT wasn't sure if the tube was still there. The audiologist said sure it's there and there is some crusting. ENT gave me Ciprodex? ear drops and said call if not feeling better. I am so bummed because the same fullness that hit me 2 years earlier is now really bad again. I kept going to this ENT clinic, now next ENT at this clinic removes crusting and tube is out. Then he removes right tube and I have hole in ear that may or may not heal. The pressure is unbearable. Over 1 + 1/2 mos. and still fullness/pain in my right ear and sinus mostly but sometimes goes to left side. Not as bad since the antibiotic but very bothersome. It took 3 ENT's and a CT scan to tell me nothing is wrong and I still feel horrible. GPrac gave me the antibiotic. This has helped all of the horrible sinus pain and pressure significantly. I am still chasing for an answer about the right ear & neck pressure and worry to about something majorly wrong. I am receiving a splint this week and hope this will be it. I still have this horrible lightheadedness when I inhale through my nose. I go to allergist this weeek too. I am a little worried tho because it seems many other folks here have not found anything conclusive with an Allergist or TMJ and still have ear pressure issues. Oh I hope this will be the answer with the splint. I will let you know as I want to be able to feel normal again. Good luck to all and it's really helpful to communicate with other folks experiencing the same bothersome symptoms. P.S. Has anyone found a connection with Desert Storm? I was there and always wonder about the Gulf War causing any of this or was it the horrible reaction to Levaquin(antibiotic)?

[Hope001]

I have sleepiness; fullness mainly in the right ear, but also some in the left ear;
constant and loud tinnitus; fog brain; lightheadedness, dizziness, and swooning; headaches; and an overall pressure or tight feeling in my head.  I feel depressed and only want to sit when having these symptoms.  I look forward to going to bed at night to escape living with this.  Recently, I've begun to get up with a stiff neck.  Some days it will wear off and some days it stays with me.  I started these symptoms when I was in my mid 40's.  It started with dizziness.  I was sent to several doctors (GP, ENT, etc.) and then to Duke for tests of all kinds.  NO ONE was able to diagnose my problem.  They just told me to come back the next time I had a "spell."  For years, I have had "spells" that have varying symptoms from the above list.  Those symptoms used to last 10 minutes and go away.  Then they started lasting for an hour.  Then for 3 hours and continued to build until they now last for days (2 or 3 weeks).  All will go away except the tinnitus, which is 24/7, for awhile, but I live in fear of when the symptoms will return.  I have tried everything offered.  I have tried journaling to see if anything is consistent.  I have been to numerous doctors and dentists over the years (I'm now in my mid 50's.) and NOTHING helps.  It's been suggested that I may have Minere's Disease, vertigo, chronic sinusitis, eustachion tube problems, TMJ, allergies, middle ear problems, stress, menopause, etc.  Yet, when treated for any of these conditions, NOTHING has helped.  In fact, some meds have made it worse.  I have been doing extensive reading and found that increasing serotonin levels might relieve ear problems.  Since I knew that I tend to have low serotonin, I bought 5-HTP at the health food store and take one nightly.  That has held off the spells for awhile; however, I am suffering as I write.  With so many people having these symptoms, I think it must be something the doctors are unaware of at this point.  I wonder if there is a doctor out there reading our miseries.  

[dmd56]

You should think about getting checked for Lyme disease. Very similar symptoms

[SLP07]

HOPE - I am having the same type symptoms as you have described - I have just returned from a follow-up appointment with an ENT who specializes in hearing loss and balance disorders - they have done many tests--- he says that nothing is wrong with my ears although I have pain in and behind my right ear and thought I had an ear infection.
My next step is to go back to my GP because my potassium was low and see if I need to have my BP meds changed and take potassium. Also, the ENT mentioned that it may be a pinched nerve, nerve damage, or even that all the symptoms I have could be menopause related...and that the face, neck and ear pain could be an atypical migraine. So I do understand how you feel. Maybe some of this info might help you, too.  

[Ninjarick]

It seems that a lot of other people from all walks of life including myself have
this similar problem to some degree some more severe than others.
I have searched several different forums on the net and see the same story
which is referred ear pain , neck and or head stiffness and pain and a myriad of
other symptoms in each case the patient is seen by his GP given a course of antibiotics the pain never goes away is then sent to an ENT or dentist so forth
and so on . So far there hasn't been one positive diagnosis  and in some cases
dentists have referred patients to oral surgeons for needless wisdom tooth extraction. While I'm not a medical doctor I can see there is a major problem
with the medical profession in not treating the patient properly because I hate to
say it but the medical profession has in this century turned into a billion dollar
money making business. I have some of the same symptoms on and off since January
and the only  treatments that seem to help are alternative practices such as
acupuncture and ear candling  they seem to work for me the only problem with my
symptoms is I live in a very damp weather climate in the winter time  even when the temp is in the 50's it feels cold soon as my neck gets cold the symptoms start
when the temp gets warmer or i've had my acupuncture  session I feel like I never had this problem.  MY acupuncturist feels there is a weakness on the right side of my neck structure that is radiating up through my jaw and right ear when she inserts the the acu needles on that side the pressure ceases but the next week if the temp drops  i get the fullness back in my ear also if my wife does an ear candling session on me I can be pain free for a week at the beginning my GP put me on penicillin and vicodin in fact he gave me enought vicodin  for three weeks that was a horror show cause I wan't sure if the pain had left or not thank god I didn't become dependant that's all dr's know how to do medicate , mask the problem or cut something out in surgery they treat the symptoms not the patient. We all need to do some research and wake up  Western medicine is keeping us sick and making Dr's rich .

[Hope001]

Thank you for your thoughts on this problem.  Blood pressure is something I have thought of, but have been told by the doctors, on several different occasions that I have near perfect blood pressure.  Therefore, I've not addressed that.  However, the idea of atypical migraine could very well be a possibility.  Migraines have been a part of my life for 30 years.  I cannot stand it when a medical person tells me that any symptom I have is "menopause related!"  That is a scape goat for them.  True, some symptoms are menopause related, but something of this nature is not!  Thank you for your words and response.  

[Hope001]

I appreciate your alternative medicine idea!  Acupuncture is something I've not tried, but am going to look into that.  I, too, have noticed that the weather could have something to do with this.  However, when I've journaled my spells, I see no coorelation.  I do, however, know that wind causes me problems.  You are so very right about the medical profession not knowing what to do other than medicate or take something out.  I have a bottle of diuretics in my cabinet now that have done me no good.  My ENT gave me those just because he was out of ideas.  I made up my mind not to call him about this again.  He hasn't a clue.  Thank you for your thoughts and response.  Misery loves company!

[Ninjarick]

I'm glad I can be of some help I have a lot of compassion
for anyone going through this type of pain. To say that
it's unpleasant doesn't quite capture the torture that it causes
but anyway I notice now that the weather is warmer where I live
and although I lost my job which was a big source of stress
I no longer feel the ear and jaw pain for over a week now which
for me is better than winning the lotto. I do feel you should try
the acupuncture they will get to the root of the problem  also
if your already seeing a chiropractor adjusting your neck will
also help.

[Hope001]

I'm sorry about your job!  But glad you are feeling relief from your ears!  Maybe the job was the problem!!!!

[Trishlynn71]

Anyone having ear fullness WITH side neck pain under that ear...horrible..driving me nuts!  MRI tomorrow!  Will let you know.

Trish

[lindrellc]

has any1 read up about the canida yeast overgrowth thing its awfull the symptoms it can cause. Ear fullness, dizziness, siff sensation or pressure in the neck, depression, allergic symptoms, seizure type symptoms, migraine, general headaches, fungal nail infection, hormonal problems, l erratic vision the list is endless!

[prayer1]

I'm 32 years old. I have suffered with ear fullness, pain, foggy head, feeling like my brain moves side to side inside, when I'm standing. I feel as if my body is rocking inside (but know one sees that) but I feel that way. I do have shoulder and neck pain and pressure in those ares. I never had dizzy spells just feeling foggy or whossy feeling. ENT thought. I had miners disease. I check out ok on that. as well with alot of other testing. I do work have 3 kids and married. I miss alot of work do to this can't get disablity due to know dignosis and family just listens to me. I have know life it seems like know more. I know 4 years ago I was normal I know what that feels like. So, I know something is going on. I do also have tmj using a mouth guard and that does not help me. I do still use it though. I have had these symptoms for over 3 years now. and they are getting worse. I do go Aug 14 to have surgery on my sinuses to be cleared. I hope that helps but Doc. don't think so, but were trying it any ways. Blood pressure good when through a tilt table test as well, surgar and insulin good, b-12 was low but I take drops for that and b-12 ok know. Any ideas let me know. I'll keep all of you updated.

[beenie621]

I have also been suffering for 2 months with fullness in the ears, neck pain, dizziness (and some jaw pain too... especially this one spot right underneath the ears... holy cow!).  I've been to an ENT who prescribed steroids for six days and Nasonex, but she did say that it could take several weeks to clear up.  She has told me that this was caused from a flight that I took back in late May.  The tiny tubes that connect your inner ear with your sinuses can "collapse" under pressure. Normally they pop back open, but mine did not.  And no amount of chewing, yawning or blowing your nose is going to "un-pop" the ears.
Also going to a chiropractor who is helping with the jaw and neck pain. All this is connected. So hopefully both types of treatment will work.

[junquete]

I've been going through this for over 15yrs now. Family thinks I'm hypochondriac doctor won't even give me t3's for the pain my throat is always swollen on one side.
Done the gammit of allergy tests, ear docs, eye problems-floaters, ear aches from hell neck and jaw swollen all the time, headaches. reading all of these pages has actually given me some relief! I asked my doctor about the relationship of my ear face and neck pain and he says he's never heard of the relationship between bad teeth and all these symptoms. I have extremely painful teeth and am ready to have them all pulled. Can't afford it but willing to go through it some how. I'm going through hell and have for close to fifteen years and eat tylenol ones like it's candy! I go to emergency when the neck and face swell so bad I can't take anymore- three times now in ten months! They give me nasal spray, ear drops usually thirty to fifty bucks at a time over and over again.  It's so much pain and tonight is hell. I'm so swollen that my customers sand coworkers  see it in my face and ask about it all the time. I turn red very easily too. Haven't seen that one mentioned much here. I'm at the point tonight where I can barely turn my head to the right. I was told back i 1980 about tmj thing but he said it was the disease of the eighties and wanted  to put implants of some sort into my jaw. At that time we had no money and I wasn't really all that eager to be a guinea pig. So I've let it go and  been told over the past  years i have chrons disease, irritable bowel, rheumatoid, lupus, and the latest one a couple of years ago is MS. I haven't had the ct scan but I'm sure that's not my problem. What I am becoming very aware of is my teeth are involved. I have always since childhood had bad teeth and after each baby they got worse.(thankfully only two)  I have a couple of teeth that are giving me a lot of trouble and feel like all there is left in them is filling and are extremely sensitive to anything.
I also know how much I clench my jaw now because of the pain. But the pain causes the clenching and the clenching causes the pain!
BUT all this reading tonight has really given me a light bulb over my head. I do need to see the dentist and really think that my reality will be dentures in a year or two. Hopefully having  a full set of teeth that all fit together will offer some relief. I may be completely on the wrong track but I'm seeing a pattern here. I've had the tubes in my ears so many times I just gave up. I'm fifty now and think that's a little late to be needing the tubes in my ears. My hearing is muffled and they have blamed allergies for that. I can see some of it there but I've been suffering way too much and way too long to be treated with ear drops and nose sprays. I know I sound cynical at this point but I just don't know where to turn to next.
I have no idea what i expect to hear from this rant but it sure feels good to know I'm not crazy! There really are other people going through similar problems and that I can see that chasing up the ear nose and throat problems may be the wrong direction. But thank you all for posting your problems and  shedding a little more light in my neighbourhood!~junquete

[dmd56]

You should consider getting checked for Lyme disease as these are some common symptoms

[Cbough]

I too am having problems with ear pain, stiff neck, jaw pain, sinus pain and it all started with a fever and flu like symptoms.  I am scheduled for a root canal on Thursday.  I will let you know if it has all been related to my teeth.  My dentist told me that the root of this tooth is very close to my sinuses.  I felt like I had a sinus infection and an ear infection.  The fever was two days after I had a crown put in.  I think the dentist may have stirred something up that was lying dormant in there.  I hate root canals but I hope that is what is causing all of this!

[bubbles07]

I too experience this pain pressure on a daily basis.  My doctor(s) don't know what it is.  All of them stem back to TMJ but MRI is normal.  One doctor said its a dislocated jaw.  I don't know anymore.  CT of Sinuses are normal.  I've had sinus surgery.  The second one I had to undergo because of a blow to my face.  My symptoms are as follows:

pain/pressure in ears - no infection
ear feels constantly on fire-no infection
when bone of ear is pressed on - pain all thru neck
behind eye - pressure and tight
entire jaw - pain and swelling
upon swallowing - feeling of choking
pain in shoulder-some burning
when placing finger slightly in ear and moving jaw-major cracking and popping of the jaw

This is all on left side.  Right side no symptoms.

Maybe it is TMJ and the MRI is wrong.  I don't know anymore.  Anyone have any answers?

I don't understand what is going on and more I don't understand why doctors, so educated today, cannot figure it out. Why so many of us have to suffer.