Sharp pain on left side of head

[itismelil]

I have been having sharp intense pain on the left side of my head...my ear will hurt when this pain starts, and sometimes my neck, also....It only last for a brief time...but they are starting to happen more and more frequently..I had my ear checked for infection, and it is clear....What is going on? Should I be worried about this?.The pain is in and above my ear..and only on one side of my head...

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This seems to be nerve related or arthritic pain. It may be best to have an initial MRI or CT scan done to evaluate the spine especially the cervical spine. An underlying nerve impingement may be causing referred pain to the involved area. You mentioned of a previous ear infection. You may have this assessed by your ENT again in case a new onset ear problem may be present.

Management may start from here. A referral to a rehabilitation medicine specialist and physical therapy sessions may help.

[Cargita]

HI,
Since last Sat. I have been having shooting pain above my left ear, my left ear also hurts. On Sun. I developed a lump an inch or so above the ear and another below the ear and by my jaw. I saw a holistic chiropractor on Wed. This is Fri. and the shooting pains are so intense I make "ouch" noices out loud. It seems as though the lumps are going down, but the pain is not. The chiropractor said my neck was incredibly out and that the bump above my ear was bunched veins. The adjustment definitely helped my neck and probably will help this other pain (I hope) IF not gone by Mon. I will go see another doc. Most all shooting pain above left ear advisorers say it is neck related.
Good luck with yours and let me know if you find anything out.....I'll do the same.

[itismelil]

Thanks for your reply.......Yes, I have been to an ENT....I did have a very serious ear infection recently...but this was going on even BEFORE that....I am infection free...and it seems to be getting much worse....As I said..the pain is only on my left side..it is VERY intense when it starts and last probably no more thatn 10 min or less....But, the pain in my ear and above it, and my neck, hurts quite often...Help?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you been to an ENT specialist for a complete assessment of your ear?

Differentials for this will be a cervical spine disorder, a muscular pain and a migraine headache. A cervical spine assessment to rule out an underlying spine disorder may help. Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that are caused by problems in the cervical spine. Poor position when sleeping at night, prolonged sitting with poor back and neck support , and strenuous exercises may actually cause headaches referred from local neck pain. A migraine headache is only given as a diagnosis after a complete assessment.

Would you be able to elaborate more on your headaches?