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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pain Behind The Ear To Back Of The Skull

Hi, I am 71 and have had migraines from 18 till 55-60 yrs then started on Imigran. They were then controlable. For the last 4 years I now wake 1-2 times every night with a muscular stabbing pain behind the left ear which travels up to the base of the skull then freezes the neck. I take 25mg-50mg depending on the pain with hot bean bag compresses and the pain will normally disappear over a1-2 hour period. Sometimes if the last episode is just before normal get up time it will hang around all day despite medication. A CT Scan has shown no abnormality in the neck or head region. I have tried various preventatives and natural remedies without success.
Wed, 12 Nov 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello it can be Occipital neuralgia , is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light. which Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area. one can use drugs like carbamazepine, gabapentin etc. Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened. But throbbing headache in old age always better to do a CT ANGIO and routine blood tests including ESR.
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Suggest Treatment For Pain Behind The Ear To Back Of The Skull

Hello it can be Occipital neuralgia , is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light. which Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area. one can use drugs like carbamazepine, gabapentin etc. Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened. But throbbing headache in old age always better to do a CT ANGIO and routine blood tests including ESR.