Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Painful Sharp Pain Behind The Ears
I keep getting a sharp pain right behind my ear that almost takes my breath away--very painful. For a few reasons, I suspect it s related to a new oral contraceptive I started recently (Seasonique). The pain seems to subside a bit when I press hard where it hurts. It almost feels like a swollen vein; it s much more noticeable than the same area behind the other ear when I touch it. Fortunately it only lasts for a few seconds at a time or I d be crying--it s that sharp a pain. Any ideas?
Wed, 2 Aug 2023
Hello,
You are getting a sharp pain behind the ear. Your symptom is indicative of mastoiditis. Other factors that may cause similar symptoms are TMJ, temporo-mandibular joint disorder or some dental problem. You are suggested to get clinically examined by an ENT. If required you will be referred to a dentist. Mastoiditis occurs due to untreated infection of the middle ear that spreads into the mastoid bone.
Your treating ENT will ask you to get few blood tests, ear culture, CT done to detect cholesteatomas, or any other pathology so that treatment can be started at the earliest. Mastoiditis is treated with antibiotics and steroids. Surgery (tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy) is recommended when there is no response to treatment. To get relieve from pain you can take NSAIDs, after food. Treatment will be started as the pathology is detected.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
You are getting a sharp pain behind the ear. Your symptom is indicative of mastoiditis. Other factors that may cause similar symptoms are TMJ, temporo-mandibular joint disorder or some dental problem. You are suggested to get clinically examined by an ENT. If required you will be referred to a dentist. Mastoiditis occurs due to untreated infection of the middle ear that spreads into the mastoid bone.
Your treating ENT will ask you to get few blood tests, ear culture, CT done to detect cholesteatomas, or any other pathology so that treatment can be started at the earliest. Mastoiditis is treated with antibiotics and steroids. Surgery (tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy) is recommended when there is no response to treatment. To get relieve from pain you can take NSAIDs, after food. Treatment will be started as the pathology is detected.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....