What Causes Pain Behind the Left Ear?

A stabbing, intermittent pain occurs at the left occipital region, accompanied by ear pain. This condition is classified as scalp neuralgia. The most common causes of neuralgia include viral infection, exposure to cold, the common cold, and wind exposure. So, what causes pain behind the left ear and left temporal/occipital area? Below, we address this question.

What Causes Pain Behind the Left Ear and Left Temporal/Occipital Area?

In most cases, pain behind the left ear and left temporal/occipital area may result from conditions such as the common cold, lymphadenitis, or external otitis. Patients are advised to seek medical evaluation at a hospital as soon as possible for appropriate diagnostic testing and targeted treatment. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Common Cold

Infection by various pathogens—including viruses and bacteria—may lead to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). When pathogens invade the left side of the head, they can cause pain behind the left ear and left temporal/occipital region. Additional symptoms may include cough, rhinorrhea, and sore throat. Since URTIs are typically self-limiting, symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within approximately one week.

2. Lymphadenitis

Localized inflammation may cause redness, swelling, or pain at the affected site. Inflammation of the postauricular lymph nodes can trigger the release of inflammatory mediators by surrounding tissues, resulting in localized swelling and tenderness—and potentially referred headache. Examples include postauricular lymphadenitis secondary to external otitis, otitis media, or scalp infection. Under physician guidance, patients may be prescribed antibiotics such as roxithromycin capsules, azithromycin tablets, or levofloxacin tablets.

3. External Otitis

Excessive or forceful ear cleaning may damage the skin of the external auditory canal, leading to external otitis. Inflammatory stimulation of adjacent tissues results in ear pain. If this pain radiates via neural pathways to the area behind the left ear, it may manifest as pain behind the left temporal/occipital region. Topical antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy may be used locally.

In addition, postauricular neuralgia may also cause pain behind the left ear and left temporal/occipital area.