What Causes Swelling And Numbness In The Right Ear And Under Jaw?

Posted on Fri, 14 Aug 2015

Question: I have been having an issue with neck feeling a little swollen/numb being my right ear and into my jaw. It doesn't hurt. I had thyroid cancer three years ago, so feel like I might be overreacting. I also have pressure and constant crackling in both ears. Also, my throat always feels a little swollen. I also have moments where I just feel disconnected from my body. Like my head is separate from the rest of my and foggy thinking.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details and consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I had gone through your question very diligently and I will try to help you out in best possible way.

Here I would like more information for better assessment of the condition like

Are you having chest pain or palpitation, any breathing difficulties
Since how long you are having this problem?
is there any restriction on neck movement
Are you having running nose or nasal congestion , sore throat or symptoms of cold?
What kind of treatment you had taken for thyroid cancer(surgery or chemotherapy)

Meanwhile yous should take steam inhalation and anti allergic drugs like levocetirizine or fexofenadine for heaviness in ears
You should also take multivitamins especially B complex and Vitamin C

Please write back to me with the details I have asked for, so that I will be able to tell you more accurately.
wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 days later)

I don't have chest pains, per say, but a bit of a burning sensation right above my diaphragm. I had one dose of radiation therapy for my thyroid cancer, and is been completely removed. She did say that it had not spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. I'm experiencing no restriction on neck movement, just soreness/soreness mainly in my neck and shoulder on the right side, but several other muscles seem a little weak. Particularly my arms.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
welcome again and thanks for the details

Burning sensation above the diaphragm might be related to acid reflux or stomach hyperacidity
You can take anti acidity medicines like pantoprazole or omeprazole with antacids for 5 to 7 days.

Numbness and soreness in neck might be related to muscle spasm
In my opinion you should take multivitamin and calcium supplements
If it becomes unbearable than you can also take painkiller with muscle relaxant on need based.

Discard using pillow and correct your posture and gait

Hope this helps you
Thanks for your question
Best wishes

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad