Occipital neuralgia is a condition in which the nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, called the occipital nerves, are inflamed or injured. You might feel pain in the back of your head or the base of your skull. People can confuse it with a
migraine or other types of headache, because the symptoms can be similar. But treatments for those conditions are very different, so it’s important to see your doctor to get the right diagnosis. Occipital neuralgia can cause
intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms include: Occipital neuralgia happens when there’s pressure or irritation to your occipital nerves, maybe because of an injury, tight muscles that entrap the nerves, or inflammation. Many times, doctors can’t find a cause for it. Some medical conditions are linked to it, including: Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and about any injuries you’ve had. They'll do a physical exam, too. They’ll press firmly around the back of your head to see if they can reproduce your pain. They may also give you a shot to numb the nerve, called a nerve block, to see if it gives you relief. If it works, occipital
neuralgia is likely the cause of the pain. You might also have blood tests or an MRI scan if your doctor thinks your case isn’t typical. You have to get the right diagnosis to get the right treatment. For example, if you have occipital neuralgia and you get a prescription for
migraine medication, you may not get relief.Symptoms
Causes
How It's Diagnosed
The first thing you’ll want to do is to relieve your pain. You can try to: If those don’t help, your doctor may prescribe medications for you, including: An operation is rare, but it might be an option if your pain doesn’t get better with other treatments or comes back. Surgery may include: Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Most people get good pain relief by resting and taking medication. But if you still hurt, tell your
doctor. They’ll want to see if there’s another problem that’s causing your pain.Treatments
Pain behind your ear can be caused by several different factors. Sometimes it is related directly to a problem with the ear, while other times it might be caused by an issue with your jaw or even compressed nerves causing a headache. Depending on the cause, the pain might be described as:
- Burning
- Sharp
- Pressure behind ear
- Throbbing
Often there are other symptoms that accompany the pain that can help determine the cause. These include:
- Ear drainage
- Hearing difficulty
- Skin changes or rash
- Eye pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Tooth pain
- Tender jaw
Let’s examine a few of the main culprits of behind-the-ear pain.
Pain Related to Ear
There are several causes of behind-the-ear pain that are directly related to problems with the ear. These include ear infections, swimmer’s ear, and earwax compaction. Some clues your pain might be related to your ear include:
- Having a viral infection like a cold or flu
- Drainage from the ear
- Your hearing feels muffled or you have an earache
- You regularly swim at YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne or another local pool.
- You use a cotton swab to clean your ears, leading to a greater risk of earwax impaction.
Dental and Jaw Issues
Several dental conditions that can cause pain behind the ear include cavities, abscesses and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Signs that your pain may be related to a dental issue include:
- Tooth pain/sensitivity
- Swelling in the cheek/mouth area
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Jaw heaviness
- Headaches that are worse in the morning
- Jaw feels heavy or aches after eating
Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a severe stabbing or shooting pain that spreads through the neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. While the condition is not fully understood, it is thought to be caused by pinched occipital nerves which start in your neck and run to the top of your head. If you experience any of the following, you may have occipital neuralgia:
- Vision issues
- Tenderness in the back of your head
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
Rare But Serious—Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is a rare infection of the mastoid bone, located behind and below your ear. It is usually caused by an untreated ear infection. It can occur at any age but is most often seen in children under two. Symptoms include severe pain behind the ear, fever, and headache. If left untreated, mastoiditis can lead to serious conditions including:
- Meningitis
- Blood clots
- Hearing loss
- Facial nerve paralysis
If you or your child has any of the symptoms of mastoiditis, seek medical help immediately.
Bottom Line
Behind-the-ear pain has many different causes, some are relatively minor while others may be quite serious. Treating the pain depends largely on identifying the cause. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your pain and any additional symptoms so they can make an accurate diagnosis and help you feel better.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, P.C. today.
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