[31F] Experiencing severe stabbing pain behind right ear and head

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

• Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head. It is often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. These headaches are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, stress management, and ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition.

• Migraine: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe pain on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. However, you have not reported these additional symptoms.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, rest in a dark and quiet room, and avoiding known triggers.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): This condition affects the joint that connects your jaw to the side of your head. It can cause pain in the ear, jaw, and muscles on the side of the head.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, physical therapy, and avoiding behaviors that strain the jaw (like chewing gum).

• Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It can cause intense, stabbing pain in parts of the face.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to reduce nerve pain.

• Occipital Neuralgia: This condition affects the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp. It can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck.

  • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, physical therapy, and nerve blocks.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information you have provided and not a definitive diagnosis. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Try over-the-counter pain relief medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
2. Rest and avoid any strenuous activities.
3. Apply a warm compress to the painful area.
4. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
5. If the pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe headache like a thunderclap
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
• Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache worsens
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• New headache pain if you're older than 50

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.