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What Causes Pain Behind Ear, Numbness In Face And Crooked Smile?

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Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015
Question: Pain behind right ear down neck, numbness in right side of face, crooked smile, some hearing loss, pain on top of head
I pulled that muscle a few days ago but I had pain behind my ear for over a week, not severe just noticed
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible Bell palsy

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

While your main complaint is headache, you mention also a crooked smile which if not present before can indicate weakness of the facial muscles on one side of your face. That coupled with pain behind the ear, tinnitus or a change in hearing on one side, numbness and tingling on one side of the face could be manifestations of Bells palsy, a damage to the peripheral part of the facial nerve which supplies the muscles on one side of your face.
In most cases it is a benign condition. However there is a small percentage of facial palsy which may be related to other causes such as infection or stroke. For that reason a medical evaluation with a neurological visit is always indicated to confirm the weakness on the one side of face and to check for presence of other signs which might warrant further blood tests or brain imaging.

I remain at your disposal for further questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Pain Behind Ear, Numbness In Face And Crooked Smile?

Brief Answer: Possible Bell palsy Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. While your main complaint is headache, you mention also a crooked smile which if not present before can indicate weakness of the facial muscles on one side of your face. That coupled with pain behind the ear, tinnitus or a change in hearing on one side, numbness and tingling on one side of the face could be manifestations of Bells palsy, a damage to the peripheral part of the facial nerve which supplies the muscles on one side of your face. In most cases it is a benign condition. However there is a small percentage of facial palsy which may be related to other causes such as infection or stroke. For that reason a medical evaluation with a neurological visit is always indicated to confirm the weakness on the one side of face and to check for presence of other signs which might warrant further blood tests or brain imaging. I remain at your disposal for further questions