Sharp Pain Back of Head Behind Ear

[guero]

Hi, I'm 16 yrs. old and I've been having these pains for about two years. I would be anything from schoolwork, to internet browsing, to watching tv, to eating, to even just laying down in the dark and I would get these intense sharp pains on the back of my head behind my right ear. This pain only occurs in this location and it comes and goes. At first the pains were simply a nuesance as they would come and go and weren't that bad, but lately they're getting worse causing me to stop what I'm doing until they go away. Durations last anywhere from 10 seconds to 3 minutes. I haven't seen a doctor about this specifically but I've tiptoed around it and they tell me not to worry. What could it be and what could trigger it?

P.S. I'm a student in New Technology High School so I work a lot with computers, also I have recently been diagnosed as having GERD or an ulcer (in the upper stomach/lower esophagous area) but the pains came first, I'm average weight and height and I don't exercise regularly but make a point to exercise at least twice a week.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
It could be neuralgic pain due to an irritated  or impinged nerve which can cause intermittent severe pain. Please go for an MRI of the brain to rule out structural abnormalities in the ear region of the head. An MRI of the cervical spine to exclude pinched nerves should also be done. Since you have long hours in front of the computers, it may be cause of the spinal nerve impingement due to neck strain. A consultation with a neurologist may be helpful to find out the cause. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[m5pjt]

I have very similar to you.Perhaps you could look up;"Occipital Neuralgia".Some pain can radiate from your back teeth as well.My doctor has put me on Amitryptaline,sometimes they work.

[painkiller99]

Hi.

The symptoms you are experiencing could be related to a muscle strain secondary to prolonged poor posture when in front of the computer, or a nerve impingement at the cervical spine level.

Does the pain radiate down the arm? Are you having difficulty moving your head?

It would be best to consult an orthopedic doctor to have a proper assessment of your condition.

Good luck.

[Caliber2005]

Hi guero,
As I have suggested in last post that you can see an orthopaedician and neuro-specialist if symptoms are really bothering you.
Hope this helps you.
Bye.