Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Ear Pain With Normal CT And MRI?
Question: For about 8 years, about one week before my period and lasts about 5-6 after the end of my cycle-I have terrible left ear pain. It is always the left ear. It was also very with my last pregnancy. Last year, I had afull work up CT, MRI and consulted with an ENT physician with an excellent reputation at the University of Maryland Hospital. I was told this was not an ear problem. I think he is very wrong-my ear hurts so badly ate the stated times. It gets so bad at times that I actually cry! Any thought??
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The following conditions need to be ruled out:
a. Temporomandibular Joinr (TMJ) pain related to the mandibular osteotomies. Was the operation on the same side?
b. Hormonal fluctuations during the Peri-Menstrual Period. However, this does not explain one sided pain.
c. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. This may be ruled out with a normal Impedance Audiometry and ear examination. Sinusitis may be the cause.
d. An infective cause such as an osteomyelitis or an Autoimmune Disorder.
e. A Trigeminal Neuralgia (Fifth Cranial Nerve) or a Referred Pain.
2. It would be helpful if you can upload the CT, MRI images and clinical examination reports.
3. Is there any response to anti-inflammatory medication? There are different painkillers depending upon the origin of the pain. For example, neuralgias may not respond to regular OTC painkillers.
4. Kindly let me know the results of your medication and further investigations. This will help in suggesting further treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The following conditions need to be ruled out:
a. Temporomandibular Joinr (TMJ) pain related to the mandibular osteotomies. Was the operation on the same side?
b. Hormonal fluctuations during the Peri-Menstrual Period. However, this does not explain one sided pain.
c. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. This may be ruled out with a normal Impedance Audiometry and ear examination. Sinusitis may be the cause.
d. An infective cause such as an osteomyelitis or an Autoimmune Disorder.
e. A Trigeminal Neuralgia (Fifth Cranial Nerve) or a Referred Pain.
2. It would be helpful if you can upload the CT, MRI images and clinical examination reports.
3. Is there any response to anti-inflammatory medication? There are different painkillers depending upon the origin of the pain. For example, neuralgias may not respond to regular OTC painkillers.
4. Kindly let me know the results of your medication and further investigations. This will help in suggesting further treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
