Pain behind ear

[Lyndaki]

Last night I started getting an intermittent shooting pain behind my right ear. It’s continued throughout today. I had a GCA diagnosis over 5 years ago along with PMR but am now down to 0.5mg. I know it’s not a normal GCA pain but I’m just a little concerned as I’ve no idea what it is. I’ve just taken 2 Cocodamol to see if it goes away but I was wondering if I should increase my Prednisolone just in case? I have no other symptoms…eyes & head fine. Any advice would be very welcome please. TIA

[piglette]

There are several possible causes of pain behind the ear that are possible, such as jaw joint inflammation, a dental infection, or a nerve-related headache.

[SheffieldJane]

The first thing I would do is have a GP examine my ear if it continues to give you trouble. I would be reassured if over the counter painkillers eased it. Then take it from there. I have so many peculiar symptoms these days it feels like Russian roulette ignoring them. I think GCA gives you a big fright. X

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Think it needs medical input - there are a load of possible causes.

A simple one is sternocleidomastoid tightness - the head of the muscle attaches just behind your ear:

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

and for the anatomy:

physio-pedia.com/Sternoclei...

[Lyndaki]

Thank you all! The cocodamol has definitely eased it so as you say Sheffield Jane, I’m a bit happier now! Will see how it goes overnight & if needs be see the doctor. Thanks!

[Grammy80 in reply to Lyndaki]

There doesn't seem to be much regarding these diseases that has rigid definitions....why chance anything? If it continues possibly you could have some bloodwork to assure you there is no inflammation of your immune system...especially where you had the GCA Dx five years ago. My best~!💞

[Lyndaki in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you! Thankfully it went away as quickly as it arrived so I think it may have been to do with inner ear as The cocodamol seemed to sort it out. I would have seen doctor had it continued