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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sharp Shooting Pain In The Head?

I am having a sharp pain in my head, above and behind my left ear, It lasts only a second and recurs every 5-15 minutes. It is not a ten on the pain scale--only about a 5. But it keeps recurring. Is it symptomatic of something serious? never mind. I thought this was a free service. please delete my email address
Mon, 12 Sep 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. It seems that you have developed an ear infection that is causing pain behind the ear and referred pain in the head. It can also be due to infection in the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) or in the surrounding cavity of the joint.

I would advise you to start antibiotic that can cover infection in the either cavity. You should start Cefixime 200 mg (Topcef) twice a day for 5 days. You can take over the counter analgesics such as Acetaminophen 500 mg or Ibuprofen 400 mg up to thrice a day for control of pain till the infection comes under control.

However, if the pain does not reduce or disappear after 5 days of medication, you should an ENT specialist for examination and investigations regarding the infection in the ear. If the ENT specialist negates presence of infection in the ear, you should consult Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for TMJ.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish you feel better soon.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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What Causes Sharp Shooting Pain In The Head?

Hello, I can understand your concern. It seems that you have developed an ear infection that is causing pain behind the ear and referred pain in the head. It can also be due to infection in the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) or in the surrounding cavity of the joint. I would advise you to start antibiotic that can cover infection in the either cavity. You should start Cefixime 200 mg (Topcef) twice a day for 5 days. You can take over the counter analgesics such as Acetaminophen 500 mg or Ibuprofen 400 mg up to thrice a day for control of pain till the infection comes under control. However, if the pain does not reduce or disappear after 5 days of medication, you should an ENT specialist for examination and investigations regarding the infection in the ear. If the ENT specialist negates presence of infection in the ear, you should consult Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for TMJ. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish you feel better soon. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah