Burning/shooting pain in scalp

[katesanterre]

Hello,
     For the past two days, I have had sharp, bursting bouts of pain behind my right ear on the occiptal area of the scalp. It is not tender to touch and doesn't feel physically hot, but it does feel like a burning sensation. The pain lasts about 1-3 seconds and it comes and goes. Last night, it felt worse when I was laying on my left side. It also hurts a bit when i move my neck to the right. I have ahd this pain before, but not for this long. I just had my wisdom teeth pulled out on July 22, 2009. I'm not sure if this could be related or not? I also have TMJ again, not sure if this is related. I would just like some feedback before I call the Dr. I just don't want this to be life threatening! Thank you!

Kate

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
This could be a case of occipital neuralgia. This usually happens due to spinal nerve compression because of overuse of computers, work involving straining of neck, herniated disc, canal stenosis, bone disease, spondylosis, poor posture. You should have a MRI focusing only on C1-3 and also look at C1-2 instability.
A stiff neck due to muscle contraction can also cause occipital headaches. These can be treated with occipital nerve blocks.
It can also be due to TMJ, or inner or middle ear infection. Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[carol10]

please give me some ideas to help with pain?




carol kelley