$Unique_ID{BRK01166}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Might be Causing Pain in the Ear?}
$Subject{ears pain neuralgia teeth mouth dental impacted wisdom tooth
temporomandibular sense senses ear ache otalgia otodynia ill defined symptom
symptoms}
$Volume{F-21,N-21}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Might be Causing Pain in the Ear?


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QUESTION:  Though he been checked twice, my doctor can find nothing to explain
a pain in the ear that my 9 year old son continues to complain of.  Do you
have any ideas what might be causing this?

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ANSWER:  Your physician may be finding nothing wrong with the ear because,
sometimes, ear pain is a referring signal from a problem somewhere else.
     In about half of cases of referred ear pain, the problem is with the
teeth or mouth, and might be better diagnosed by a dentist.  An abscessed or
fractured tooth, periodontal disease, or impacted third molar (wisdom tooth)
may cause ear pain.  Your son may need a complete dental evaluation, including
all the necessary x-rays.  Another mouth problem that can cause pain in a
normal ear is temporomandibular joint dysfunction, where the lower jaw is not
properly seated in its joint with the rest of the skull.
     Ear pain has other possible causes, including sinus, tonsil, salivary
gland, and throat infections.  Neuralgias of the nerves to the face and head
or a condition called temporal arteritis may also show up as ear pain, though
this condition is not common in youngsters.
     Other causes that might be considered with referred ear pain are tumors
of the chest, neck, and head.  Luckily, these are not found very frequently
and are considered quite rare.

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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.