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.

[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.