What causes intermittent pulsating pain in the left side of the head behind the ear, and what should be done about it?
May 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Intermittent throbbing pain in the left posterior head region may be caused by factors such as tension headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, or otitis media, and appropriate treatment methods should be actively followed as directed by a physician. Additionally, it could also result from conditions like folliculitis, external otitis, or cervical spondylosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital upon experiencing this symptom to alleviate discomfort.
Intermittent throbbing pain in the head behind the left ear may be caused by factors such as tension headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, or otitis media. It is important to follow medical advice and choose appropriate treatment methods. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Tension Headache
This refers to a type of headache triggered by psychological or emotional factors. It commonly results from mental stress, anxiety, and similar conditions, causing sustained contraction of muscles in the bilateral head and posterior neck regions that cannot relax, thus leading to pain. Sometimes it occurs behind the left ear, presenting as intermittent throbbing pain. Medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets can be used under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
2. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by brief, recurrent episodes of severe pain within the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve. It may cause intermittent pain behind the left ear and sometimes be accompanied by neck pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as carbamazepine tablets or phenytoin sodium tablets may be prescribed for treatment.
3. Otitis Media
Otitis media is an inflammation occurring in the middle ear. When affecting the left ear, inflammatory irritation may lead to localized throbbing pain, which in severe cases can radiate to the head. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as drainage of fluid or pus from the ear canal. Treatment may include antibiotics such as roxithromycin tablets or cefuroxime axetil tablets, used under medical supervision.
In addition, other possible causes include folliculitis, external otitis, cervical spondylosis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment upon experiencing such symptoms to effectively alleviate them.
