Severe Headache with Small Lump on Temple

[MamaJan]

My 29 year old daughter has had a clogged ear for several months which the doctor said was not from wax, but never resolved what the cause was.  Two weeks ago the ear opened and she felt the bee-bee sized lump move to her temple.  A severe headache began immediately and the pain is only relieved with Tylenol with Codeine, which was prescribed by the doctor in th eemergency room with a muscle relaxer.  Her regular doctor also prescribed prednisone and ordered a CT scan, whichshe said appears normal.  Lab work also was normal so no artery biopsy was done an dnow she is being referred to a neurologist.   Her ear is still open and when it was clogged she had nopost-nasal drip or pain. Question: Is it possible for something to move from behind the ear to her temple and she feel it move?  Is the neurologist the correct next step?  Should she have the biopsy even though the lab results don;t show an increased enzyme level and nothing is visible on the CT scan?  Should we request a 3T MRI using super high resolution imaging and contrast injection can non-invasively diagnose this disorder with high specificity and sensitivity? (I read on the Internet that this test is as good as a biopsy for diagnosis of Temporal Arteritis).  Can she have Temporal Arteritis at this age?   (most people get it after 50).

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Temporal arteritis or inflammation and damage to blood vessels that supply the head area, can be due to a faulty immune response. Although the the causes is not known. Diagnosis is with a visual examination and blood tests which include hemoglobin or hematocrit, liver function tests, and sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein . However, a  biopsy and examination of tissue from the affected artery confirm the diagnosis in most cases. Take care and regards.

[outcome2001]

Hi MamaJan,
What was the result of your daughter's tests and how is she doing today?  I am having very similar symptoms, with the clogged ears, then bb-sized lump in the temple, and severe headache.  Did she have temporal arteritis?
Thanks.