Sharp Pain Back of Head Behind Ear

[guero]

Hi, I'm 16 yrs. old and I've been having these pains for about two years. I would be anything from schoolwork, to internet browsing, to watching tv, to eating, to even just laying down in the dark and I would get these intense sharp pains on the back of my head behind my right ear. This pain only occurs in this location and it comes and goes. At first the pains were simply a nuesance as they would come and go and weren't that bad, but lately they're getting worse causing me to stop what I'm doing until they go away. Durations last anywhere from 10 seconds to 3 minutes. I haven't seen a doctor about this specifically but I've tiptoed around it and they tell me not to worry. What could it be and what could trigger it?

P.S. I'm a student in New Technology High School so I work a lot with computers, also I have recently been diagnosed as having GERD or an ulcer (in the upper stomach/lower esophagous area) but the pains came first, I'm average weight and height and I don't exercise regularly but make a point to exercise at least twice a week.

[Kris1979Love]

I think this is whays causing mine too...i will try!

[GeeGee57]

I have had this pain for a month now and reading all these comments had me scared but tonight I noticed every time I sniffed(slight sinus draining) it hurt really bad. I came across an article about the "eustacian tube". It said it can get full of sinus fluid, get stuck closed and cause pain, it said to hold your nose closed with your fingers and blow as if blowing your nose and the tube might come unstuck and drain. I can't believe the pain is gone!!!!! Will get meds for sinus tomorrow, hope this helps someone.

[GeeGee57]

I have had this pain for a month now and reading all these comments had me scared but tonight I noticed every time I sniffed(slight sinus draining) it hurt really bad. I came across an article about the "eustacian tube". It said it can get full of sinus fluid, get stuck closed and cause pain, it said to hold your nose closed with your fingers and blow as if blowing your nose and the tube might come unstuck and drain. I can't believe the pain is gone!!!!! Will get meds for sinus tomorrow, hope this helps someone.

[Amiedoodles]

Just started last night. Pain behind right ear I started timing them. It comes every 45 seconds and lasts as long as a breathe (2 seconds). Not severe pain just annoying  but kept me up all night cause it's annoying

[Dustyler79]

Thank you for posting your remedy to this pain. This pain happens to me often and in the past heat and pain meds are all that seem to help. I was having an episode, researching a cause, and saw your post. I tried it immediately as I had nothing to lose. The pain is nearly gone. From a 10 to 1 in 3 minutes. Thank you! Continuing to research the cause as it happens seemingly at random. MRI, blood panels, physical examinations have been unable to determine the cause.

[Chiranjivi]

Hi even I do suffer from this kind of pains, only difference between our's is I do have pain in both side of ears and the time it last is quite more than your's it is usually between half an hour to hour or two. I even noticed that it is sometime triggered by some shrill noise. I did visit different ENT specialist many time but they found nothing and now i am asked to meet neurosurgeon.  

[VLilly91]

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.
It is not life threatening, and can be treated with rest, or antidepressants if severe.

[HankS0522]

I can't speak for everyone here, but I can say that if the pain coming from your right ear is matching the pain coming from the back right of your skull. You most likely have TMJ aka Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

An easy way to tell that you got TMJ is draw a horizontal line from your ears central hole, the external acoustic meatus toward your noes. You should feel a small circle that you can push against about an inch away from your ear. It's your hinging joint.

Push down on it, if you feel pain, you got your answer.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about it. You can buy a mouth guard to keep your jaw level while sleeping. (As there is most likely something wrong with how your jaw is resting, but that won't solve the issue because you are going to be talking with people)

This is the reason why you feel pain, every time you move your jaw the imbalance causing pain because you jaw isn't level.

You could try to see about getting an ex-ray to determine what part of your jaw is miss matched. It could be something as simple as wisdom teeth allowing the jaw to rest too high or low. However, if it is like mine, there is nothing that can be fix easily.

Ear dropped will mask the pain though and you can take Sudafed to clear up your sinus. And finally Aspirin if the pain is really bad. The pain will normally go away in a few day so long as you limit your talking as much as possible. Make sure to get plenty of sleep so you don't yawn. And limit opening your mouth in general.

[JOY69X]

F***k Off *****! Why did you ever bother responding if you have nothing to say!

[lizg1122]

I have a shar pain right behind my ear at the part of the school that kind of points I have been diagnosed with tmd which is my jaw is out of alignment on the side the pain is on. I also have seizures and can tell you mine is not nuero related.

[Mandy70]

Thanks you Dr Sharma

[Bunny618]

The pain can be different causes from each individual even with the same pain.  The best is to see both neurologist & otolaryngologist for further testing.  I had MRIs for brain, cervical & nerve conduction but couldn't find anything which caused that horrible sharp pain like you all.  My neurologist assumed that muscle spasm can block the communication of nervous system.  Since all medical doctors & scans proved nothing to help me so I looked for alternative treatment.  I can't function normal with the pain & professionals think that I'm alright.  Sometimes, I don't understand western medicine training at all.  I don't like the fact that when you're in much pain & they say that you're 100% fine or normal.  Lately, I have acupuncture for only 4 treatments & feel much better.  For nerve issue, eastern medicine is the best option.  I'm taking too much medication for 12 yrs so I don't want to inject steroid in my body.  I have degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia. sharp pain behind my left ear & headache.  For few treatments of acupuncture, it helps so much.  Yes, it's painful with those needles, but worth it to feel less all over body pain cuz I don't want toxic from all medications & some unknown supplement ingredients.  I'm still taking med but trying to reduce it slowly.  If acupuncture cures my pain, I'll stop the current daily med for sure.  I hope that my comment can be helpful for some of you.  Rest well all & good luck finding the cure.  

[nevermind2]

really?!   There's no such thing as cervical ribs!  Where did you learn that!

[Tina2879]

I have been suffering pain  on the left side of my head,  left ear being affected, and this can usually last anywhere from a a few minutes to hours.  I have seen a neurologist and some have said chronic headaches,  tension headaches,  etc. Every medicine given has not worked.  I usually don't get explained to what a doctor is doing to being dismissed after 5 minutes of talking to me. I am at a loss of what I need to do to get the right help.  I am also a woman who was born with hydrocephalus.  I have had that checked.  Nothing is helping.  I can't handle the pain.  I am a mother also.  This affects my everyday life.

[kat221991]

I have been experiencing the same horrible pains behind my ear for many years. It feels as if someone is stabbing me and sometimes it stops me right in my tracks because it comes on so sudden. I am unaware of a cause, no doctor has been able to figure it out, they just tell me I have tension headaches. However I have been doing some research and have found the pain is similar to those in "icepick" headaches. Maybe try talking to your doctor about them? Also, please let me know if you find anything out!

[Allenkassab33]

hello my name is allen, and im 14 years old, im going to tell you my story about this pain. it started happening about 5-8 months ago, i came home one day and my brother was really annoying me and punched me once in the arm and i pulled my arm back to smack him and then the shock hit the back of the right side of my head and i feel to the ground, this made me tear up and i only cry on rare occasions the shock is only for about 1-3 secends but when the 3 seconds are over the numbness still radiates through my head for one min. i have not told my doctor about this. this has only happend 3 times the other time was when i was working out and was putting a lot of stress on my body. im really hope this pain does not happen again, because it hurts like a ****.  

[MartineMoreau]

It sounds to me like the ice pick headache. I get those when Im really stressed out. If it comes and goes but seems to linger for a while that`s probably what it is. Otherwise I`d go see a doctor and get it looked at.

[crabbypatty59]

You suck it up, I cannot believe after reading these posts that is all you got, a snide, stupid, and wise *** remark, I doubt very much that you have experienced this pain ever, I think you are some S&M, perverted, serial killer that enjoys inflicting pain on others. You probably hurt the people close to you and animals too. Anyone who makes that type of comment is clearly evil and I hope you live far, far away from me.....

[cliveyboy]

I have a dull pain behind my ear where my glasses sit - seems worse when I wake up - sometimes notice it during the day - had it for a week or so - did you resolve your issue?

If so how?

Clive

[dxkim]

I googled the term "ice pick headache" and it's what I have! It's a fleeting, throbbing pulse of pain behind my right ear that lasts for just a few seconds, but happens approximately every 5 minutes to half hour. I've had it fora day now and it's really starting to get on my nerves, ugh! I took some Ibuprofen and it didn't help at all.

[Angelja]

I looked up this problem ... mine started by my left temple and when I turned my head to check my neck, something moved and now the pain is behind my ear.  Most sites suggest it is a pinched nerve and I could see things in the comments here to back that up.  Essential oils help calm nerves and when I applied Serenity blend with Lavendar from temple to clavicle the pain eased.  One dr suggested a spinal block but that seemed extreme lol.  Oils have helped with my Gerd, ulcers, and sinus problems.  Since I started using DigestZen for my GERD and chronic sinus headaches they just disappeared.  Essential oils are very concentrated, effective and totally natural without any side effects and in many cases cheaper than dr visits and scripts.     http://www.mydoterra.com/angelinepackard/

[nikkikim10]

I had no idea a woman your age could still PMS (because that is the only logical excuse of why you would say such a B****Y thing).
I blacked out from the pain the other day on stage and was almost impaled by a prop.  Suck it up?  How about you shut up, thanks.

[diana82guzman]

Hi-Just speaking from my own testimony. I awaited 50day's. In pain & there's no need to do so. It all depends in you & your family choice. Since obviously. Make sure there's benefits. Because if you have insurance. There's no reason why you have to wait to find out what you have. And stop suffering from pain. So, if you want to just find out right away what exactly it's going on. Just go to the ER. Just make sure you get ready. Since it's long hours. Just take everything you need with you. To make yourself feel comfortable. Entertainment while you wait & snacks. If you don't have Insurance. Look up online if at the ER to the hospital where you are going to they have a Neurologist. Not all hospitals have the Best Neurologist. Edison, NJ. JFK Neuro Science it's a good one. There's Volunteer Neurologist. You just have to ask-look up online. Than since you are under age. You have to know. That all those bills will go to your parents. But there's always help. You can apply for Charity Care. But it's basically your parents applying for it. And their income will be proof how can this bills get pay. I diagnosed myself Nov. 19, 2012. Prior to that I went to a Medical Center 3times to see a Dr. & they said I pulled a muscle. Than I need vitamin D. I told them they have to give a referral to see a Neurologist. Which finally they did. I waited too long. I did my research online way before I went to see a Dr. the 1st time. I knew right away between Oct. 4th-Nov 19,2012. All of my symptoms lead to MS. But for God there's no impossible. Just go and take care of your health. Our Life it's a Light down here in earth. John Chapter 1: Vers. 1-18 ;0) God Bless!

[lifted]

Forget the drugs and surgery! Try the ellimination process of foods (see my previous post!)
I definitly know that sugar/chocolate give me that nasty headache in the back of my head (between the ears and back neck area. It is nasty and hard to accept. It's worth not eating sugar till the last day of my life!
Thank God I was able to figure it out after all that time of thinking something horrible had happened to me.
And yes, like some, I had just been through a bad cold/flu and I thought that was the reason. But it turns out to be something as simple as a food intollerance. The only thing I don't understand is WHAT triggered it. I had never had a problem with sugar in my life. So maybe someday, someone will figure out the WHY and WHAT part of it. Until then, I'm just glad the headache is gone!