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What Would Cause Sudden Ear Numbness?
Question: I woke up this morning with my right ear numb. I am 46, in good health, no diabetes, B/P's WNL.
I am a side sleeper and think maybe I slept in a position that compressed a nerve? I have applied a heat intermittently to improve blood supply in hopes that would help.
Any advice or recommendations would be helpful. I am a Neuro Sugical Nurse so my mind goes to worst places! I off duty today
I am a side sleeper and think maybe I slept in a position that compressed a nerve? I have applied a heat intermittently to improve blood supply in hopes that would help.
Any advice or recommendations would be helpful. I am a Neuro Sugical Nurse so my mind goes to worst places! I off duty today
Brief Answer:
If this happens once in a while, it is common and not a cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The pinna (auricle) is supplied by many nerves originating from a wide area and multiple sources.
2. The Nerve supply comes from the Cervical plexus (Greater Auricular, Lesser Occipital) and the Cranial Nerves (Auricular/ Vagus, Auriculo-Temporal/ Trigeminal and Facial).
3. Hence if the entire ear is numb, there is very little risk of a neural problem and that too with only a ear problem.
4. This is common and not a cause for worry. I would investigate only if this was persistent or limited to one area of the pinna (auricle).
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
If this happens once in a while, it is common and not a cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The pinna (auricle) is supplied by many nerves originating from a wide area and multiple sources.
2. The Nerve supply comes from the Cervical plexus (Greater Auricular, Lesser Occipital) and the Cranial Nerves (Auricular/ Vagus, Auriculo-Temporal/ Trigeminal and Facial).
3. Hence if the entire ear is numb, there is very little risk of a neural problem and that too with only a ear problem.
4. This is common and not a cause for worry. I would investigate only if this was persistent or limited to one area of the pinna (auricle).
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. That was very helpful.
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Get the ear examined.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. It is better to get the ear checked by an ENT Specialist.
2. If the ear examination is normal, then it will be a referred pain.
3. It is not unusual to experience pain due to such numbness.
4. Take an anti-inflammatory medication (single dose-after meals) and check if this goes away.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Get the ear examined.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. It is better to get the ear checked by an ENT Specialist.
2. If the ear examination is normal, then it will be a referred pain.
3. It is not unusual to experience pain due to such numbness.
4. Take an anti-inflammatory medication (single dose-after meals) and check if this goes away.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more 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
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