Headaches that are localized behind the ear aren"t as common as other types of headache pain. Before treatment can begin, the doctor must find out what is causing your pain and discomfort. In most cases, this type of pain can be limited to one of the following causes:
- Mastoiditis – an infection localized to the mastoid bone
- Occipital neuralgia – irritation or pressure that affects the occipital nerves
- TMJ syndrome – problems with the temporomandibular joint
Each of these conditions has symptoms that are unique, but headaches behind the ear tend to appear on all three lists.
Pain Behind the Ears - Signs & Symptoms That Identify the Cause
If you are experiencing a fever along with the headache, the signs may point to an infection of some kind, normally mastoiditis. If occipital neuralgia is the culprit, the pain that starts behind the ear, may gradually work its way to other areas of the head and neck.
TMJ syndrome is often identified by the misalignment of the teeth and the popping of the jaw joint when you eat or speak. The headache behind the ear is often the result of inflammation and pressure placed on the structures in the area.
Diagnosing the Problem
There may be cases where it"s difficult to determine the exact cause of your headache pain, even with a thorough physical examination. If there is no sign of infection and your teeth and jaw pose no other symptoms, the doctor may recommend an MRI.
Headache pain that is localized behind the ear may not indicate a serious illness, but it shouldn"t be ignored either. If the pain persists longer than two or three days and recurs steadily over the course of a week or more, it"s in your best interest to seek urgent medical attention to determine the exact cause.
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. The location of pain is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck, up to the scalp at the back of the head. The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to the back of the head, pinching of the nerves by overly tight neck muscles, compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine due to osteoarthritis, or tumors or other types of lesions in the neck. Localized inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia. In many cases, however, no cause can be found. A positive response (relief from pain) after an anesthetic nerve block will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
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.
Prognosis
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.
Research
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health conduct research related to pain and occipital neuralgia in their clinics and laboratories and support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on understanding the basic mechanisms of pain and testing treatments in order to find better ways to treat occipital neuralgia.
View research on this topic.
View studies being conducted about this condition.
View NINDS publications on this topic.
Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
Provides self-help coping skills and peer support to people with chronic pain. Sponsors local support groups throughout the U.S. and provides assistance in starting and maintaining support groups.
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
ACPA@theacpa.org
//www.theacpa.org
Tel: Rocklin
Fax: 916-652-8190
National Headache Foundation
Non-profit organization dedicated to service headache sufferers, their families, and the healthcare practitioners who treat them. Promotes research into headache causes and treatments and educates the public.
820 N. Orleans
Suite 411
Chicago, IL 60610-3132
info@headaches.org
//www.headaches.org
Tel: Chicago
Fax: 312-640-9049
Content Provided By
NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.