The pain may also be continuous or intermittent.Ear pain due to an infection is the most common in children and can occur in babies. Adults may need further evaluation if they have hearing loss, dizziness or ringing in the ear. Additional red flags include diabetes, a weakened immune system, swelling seen on the outer ear, or swelling along the jaw. Causes
Ear pain has a variety of causes, the majority of which are not life-threatening. Ear pain can originate from a part of the ear itself, known as primary ear pain, or from an anatomic structure outside the ear that is perceived as pain within the ear, known as secondary ear pain. Secondary ear pain is a type of referred pain, meaning that the source of the pain differs from the location where the pain is felt. Primary ear pain is more common in children, whereas secondary (referred) pain is more common in adults.Primary ear pain is most commonly caused by infection or injury to one of the parts of the ear. External ear
Many conditions involving the external ear will be visible to the naked eye. Because the external ear is the most exposed portion of the ear, it is vulnerable to trauma or environmental exposures. Blunt trauma, such as a blow to the ear, can result in a hematoma, or collection of blood between the cartilage and perichondrium of the ear. This type of injury is particularly common in contact sports such as wrestling and boxing.
This may involve a CT scan, lumbar puncture, MRI, and other tests. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has a similar presentation, and is found in 10–38% of RCVS patients.RCVS is diagnosed by detecting diffuse reversible cerebral vasoconstriction. Catheter angiography is ideal, but computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography can identify about 70% of cases. Multiple angiographies may be necessary. Because other diseases (such as atherosclerosis) have similar angiographic presentations, it can only be conclusively diagnosed if vasoconstriction resolves within 12 weeks. Treatment
As of 2014, no treatment strategy has yet been investigated in a randomized clinical trial. Verapamil, nimodipine, and other calcium channel blockers may help reduce the intensity and frequency of the headaches. A clinician may recommend rest and the avoidance of activities or vasoactive drugs which trigger symptoms (see § Causes). Analgesics and anticonvulsants can help manage pain and seizures, respectively. Prognosis
All symptoms normally resolve within three weeks, and may only last days. Permanent deficits are seen in a minority of patients, ranging from under 10% to 20% in various studies. Less than 5% of patients experience progressive vasoconstriction, which can lead to stroke, progressive cerebral edema, or even death. Severe complications appear to be more common in postpartum mothers. Epidemiology
The incidence of RCVS is unknown, but it is believed to be "not uncommon", and likely under-diagnosed.