Headache with sharp pain behind left ear.

[DUnder]

I was just wondering my friend has been having "headaches with very sharp pain behind her left ear, gone one second and then a sharp, piercing pain for just a moment, then gone again" as it was explained to me.   I was just wondering if anyone would have any ideas on what it could be?
Thanks.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Just implement some supportive therapy for the mean time while awaiting for a consult. A cool or warm compress may be able to help.A visit with an acupuncturist or an alternative medicine doctor may help supplement any drug therapy.

All the best!

[DUnder]

Hi,

She is doing fine, its not embolizing her or anything like that just irritating.  I'll give her the info and then she can decided what to do.

Thanks again

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A sharp shooting pain may be nerve related. If there are no other symptoms like hearing loss, ringing in the ears, numbness in the face or visual symptoms then this does not sound very urgent.

What may be considered here is possible involvement of the occipital nerve or cranial nerve 5 ( trigeminal nerve). Although the common migraine may still be a differential.A visit with a neurologist may help asssess this.

How is your friend doing?

Is the pain severe enough to keep him from functioning?

If this is the case an immediate consult with a neurologist may be warranted for a complete neurological examination. An ENT consult for a thorough examination of deeper structures in the ear  may also help just to exclude other underlying conditions.
Keep us posted.

[DUnder]

Hi,

First thanks for your respond, Its more of a shooting pain rather than a burning one.

She has not had any sudden move mements or injury to neck or side of her head.  

No change in sleeping position.

Nothing has been said about any swelling, eye redness, eye tearing or nasal discharge so I would say, no.

Nothing has been said about hearing problems either.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Is this a burning or shooting pain? Pls elaborate.

Has your friend injured this side of his head lately?

Any change in sleeping position?

Any associated swelling, eye redness,eye tearing or nasal discharge?

Any hearing problems.  ear discharge?

Keep us posted with your answers.