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What Causes Recurring Pain Radiating From Scalp To Ear?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Question: I have recurring severe shocking pain behind my ear. Starts at the scalp hair line on the left side. Pain shoots through the ear and lasts few seconds and goes away. Pain recurs every 30 seconds, sometime longer and sometime shorter. Brain mri was clear. Pain is very harsh. What is this!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Occipital neuralgia should be considered.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion Occipital Neuralgia should be assessed as a possible cause of your symptoms, since head and neck MRI was clear. More information is needed about your symptoms ( is it related to position? any exacerbating factor? medications tried? is the scalp tender?etc.).

This condition happens when there is compression on one or two nerves ( greater occipital and lesser occipital nerve) that supply scalp ( from upper neck to frontal area).

This condition may be caused by a number of conditions ( trauma, mechanical compression on nerves along the way, neurovascular conflict, nerve inflamation etc.) and since this diagnosis is mainly clinical, I suggest you to consult a Neurologist and discuss this possibility among the others as a cause of your symptoms.

Hope my opinion helps you. If your have further questions feel free to ask.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 minutes later)
I am currently taking valtrex and neurontin for the past two days. Is it possible that the things you mnetion would not appear on an MRI? The pain doesnt come from any certain movement or position but it does appear more frequent and severe when i am alert and doing things. When i lay down and close my eyes the symtoms dissipate .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is mainly a clinical diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking again.

The possibility I mentioned about Occipital Neuralgia is mainly a clinical diagnosis and usually MRI doesn't reveal the underlying problem, except in cases that this condition is caused by any mass lesions ( which is not your case).

Pain subsiding when laying and NOT moving eyes is is related to position and movement and is a element in favor to this diagnosis.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4500 Questions

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What Causes Recurring Pain Radiating From Scalp To Ear?

Brief Answer: Occipital neuralgia should be considered. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. In my opinion Occipital Neuralgia should be assessed as a possible cause of your symptoms, since head and neck MRI was clear. More information is needed about your symptoms ( is it related to position? any exacerbating factor? medications tried? is the scalp tender?etc.). This condition happens when there is compression on one or two nerves ( greater occipital and lesser occipital nerve) that supply scalp ( from upper neck to frontal area). This condition may be caused by a number of conditions ( trauma, mechanical compression on nerves along the way, neurovascular conflict, nerve inflamation etc.) and since this diagnosis is mainly clinical, I suggest you to consult a Neurologist and discuss this possibility among the others as a cause of your symptoms. Hope my opinion helps you. If your have further questions feel free to ask.