$Unique_ID{BRK00666}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Could a Problem in the Head, Neck or Throat Cause an Earache?}
$Subject{otalgia earache ill defined symptom symptoms ear canal pain Sense
senses hear hearing neck head throat cranial nerves Squamous cell carcinoma
tonsil tongue base larynx hypopharynx oral cavity dental infection Disease
temporomandibular nose sinus infections sinuses}
$Volume{F-6, N-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Could a Problem in the Head, Neck or Throat Cause an Earache?


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QUESTION:  When I went to my doctor to treat an earache, we did a battery of
tests on my ears, but found no cause for my problem.  My doctor has asked me
to schedule a follow-up appointment so he can examine my head, neck and
throat.  Does this make sense to you?  How could a possible problem in these
areas cause an earache?

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ANSWER:  The head, neck and throat exams are very good thinking on your
doctor's part.  Otalgia, or earache, is often caused by disease in the head
and neck region.  Many of the nerves in the neck transmit sensory impulses to
the ear canal.  Loss of sensation in the ear can actually be a symptom of a
lesion in one of the cranial nerves, which are the nerves that extend from the
brain without passing through the spinal cord.
     An earache in a person who smokes or drinks could be a symptom of cancer
in the head or neck region.  Squamous cell carcinoma often causes otalgia.
This type of cancer is usually located in the tonsil, tongue base, larynx or
hypopharynx.
     Other causes of ear pain are diseases of the oral cavity or dental
infection, especially involving molars.  Disease of the temporomandibular
joint (the joint between the lower jaw and temporal bone of the skull) often
causes otalgia, and, tumors or infections of the nose, sinus region, parts of
the tongue or floor of the mouth are rare causes of otalgia.
     I am not trying to frighten you, but as in so many cases, a simple
symptom is only the first warning of more complicated situations.  You should
make that appointment for thorough examinations of the head and neck as soon
as possible; because, as you can see, many of the diseases for which ear pain
is a symptom need prompt attention.  Whatever the cause, an early diagnosis is
always a key part of treatments with successful outcomes.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.