HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Constant Low Grade Headache And Pain In Ears?

default
Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2016
Question: Constant low grade headache (3) with sharper than ever (7) shooting pain when I raise my head up. Pain is located at base of next from ear to ear and intermittently radiates above ears almost to tempels. There is no change with other range of motion. Is further imaging advisable?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

One possibility for your headache is the arthritis in the neck. It can cause low grade headache and also may cause compression of the occipital nerves (which exit the spine in the upper neck to supply the back of the head) with occipital neuralgia, the sharp shooting pain you describe. Apart from the NSAIDs you can't use, medication for neuropathic pain such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin may be tried.

The other possibility is the trauma and PTSD you mention to have had. It is common after head trauma for some symptoms to be left such as headaches, depression, fogginess, difficulty concentrating etc.Unfortunately there is not a specific treatment apart from treating anxiety and depression when present.

In terms of further imaging I wouldn't advise any. I suppose the diagnosis of arthritis has been confirmed and you mention to already have had a CT. I do not think there would be much gain from other tests such as MRI.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Constant Low Grade Headache And Pain In Ears?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. One possibility for your headache is the arthritis in the neck. It can cause low grade headache and also may cause compression of the occipital nerves (which exit the spine in the upper neck to supply the back of the head) with occipital neuralgia, the sharp shooting pain you describe. Apart from the NSAIDs you can't use, medication for neuropathic pain such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin may be tried. The other possibility is the trauma and PTSD you mention to have had. It is common after head trauma for some symptoms to be left such as headaches, depression, fogginess, difficulty concentrating etc.Unfortunately there is not a specific treatment apart from treating anxiety and depression when present. In terms of further imaging I wouldn't advise any. I suppose the diagnosis of arthritis has been confirmed and you mention to already have had a CT. I do not think there would be much gain from other tests such as MRI. I remain at your disposal for other questions.