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What Causes Swelling On Back Of My Head,ear And Neck?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Question: Hi I have a swollen spot on back of my head ... roughly !/2 way between my ear & the cranial groove on back of neck ... it is also tender to the touch & I have some congestion. I also had moments of referred pain in back of head too ::: Well, I imagine that it might be swollen lymph related to fighting my tooth infection. I have been drinking lots water & doing reflexology points on myself for past few hours. It does seem less swollen & tender now. I am not feeling those tinges of pain right now either ... But it is very worrisome. Should I go to ER? Thanks!
I already asked. Doctor said was working on it. No reply in last 20 min or so. How can it take so long? Thought he was on line ---
asked 45 min ago... no reply ... will cancel this order if no reply very soon
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please visit ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and detailed and elucidate history.

To recapitulate: Female / 52 - H/O RC 11 months ago and Amox 1 week ago for tooth problem - Now swollen spot on the back of head as explained - tender to touch and have congestion - had referred pain in back of head - drinking lots of water and doing reflexology points helping to ease swelling and tenderness and pain - but is worrisome and feeling this to be due to swollen lymph node related to to tooth infection - Wants to know whether to go to ER.

Sorry for the inconvenience, may be due to time-lag or techno problem on the part of the the Company.

Thanks again for an elucidate history which is so much suggestive of this swelling being due to lymph node related to the tooth problem you have.
It is good that you have improved symptomatically with the things you have done like reflexology.

I would advise you to go to ER for the following reasons:
You will be seen by a Doctor to examine the swelling and confirm whether this is the lymph node or a boil or so. Related blood tests and investigations may be done and most important is getting the proper medicines like an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory which will work for the swelling and the tooth infection if it is still present.

I hope this answer helps you. Please feel free to ask further relevant questions if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communication. I will be happy to assist you more and to get a feedback from you for better interactions.

Wishing you early proper diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
With Warm Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (9 minutes later)
thank you for reply.
please explain. what else could this be besides lymph?
The point is 3 fingers width from my left ear. ....

The referred pain is mostly gone ... however shooting pain in gum has come back too ... I guess it would be best to go to ER even tho it is now midnight.

can they really tell anything from a blood test?
or will they have to do x rays or CT scan?

thnks
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Proper medicines will help to overcome pain in the night.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.

The another possibility is a boil if it is on hairline, where the swelling will be part of the skin and will be moving with skin.
The skin may glide over the lymph node, although the skin in this area - 3 finger width from left ear is not much XXXXXXX
Since you have a shooting pain in the gum, the chances of this swelling being lymph node is more.
Yes, I too think of the same (going to ER) as the pain can make you awake through-out the night unnecessarily.
The diagnosis is mostly made by clinical examination but he blood tests helps to see if the White cell count is raised or not, rules out diabetes as the most important thing.
X-ray or CT scan can help for the Dental / Gum problems.

I hope this helps you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)
not on hairline.

don't care about pain.

just whether this is dangerous - needs immediate attention - or could wait until the morning. I know u cannot determine this for sure . ..
guess I should prob go to ER
worried about possible symptoms ... re dangers of bone infection from the tooth ...
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can turn into dangerous, needs timely treatment

Detailed Answer:
If not on hairline, more chances of lymph node.
Yes, immediate attention will help and is needed and you get an appropriate treatment at the earliest.
Well, as a Doctor I can suggest as per the information you have been providing.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Swelling On Back Of My Head,ear And Neck?

Brief Answer: Please visit ER. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query and detailed and elucidate history. To recapitulate: Female / 52 - H/O RC 11 months ago and Amox 1 week ago for tooth problem - Now swollen spot on the back of head as explained - tender to touch and have congestion - had referred pain in back of head - drinking lots of water and doing reflexology points helping to ease swelling and tenderness and pain - but is worrisome and feeling this to be due to swollen lymph node related to to tooth infection - Wants to know whether to go to ER. Sorry for the inconvenience, may be due to time-lag or techno problem on the part of the the Company. Thanks again for an elucidate history which is so much suggestive of this swelling being due to lymph node related to the tooth problem you have. It is good that you have improved symptomatically with the things you have done like reflexology. I would advise you to go to ER for the following reasons: You will be seen by a Doctor to examine the swelling and confirm whether this is the lymph node or a boil or so. Related blood tests and investigations may be done and most important is getting the proper medicines like an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory which will work for the swelling and the tooth infection if it is still present. I hope this answer helps you. Please feel free to ask further relevant questions if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communication. I will be happy to assist you more and to get a feedback from you for better interactions. Wishing you early proper diagnosis, treatment and recovery. With Warm Regards.