Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain – Definitely, and ear infections often cause a headache or pressure sensation, often experienced near the ear. If you think about it, an ear infection is often a local experience, and often ear pain and head-related pain happens in general because there is overlap in the nerve pathways, so possibly a standard experience. Recognizing this possible connection is an important detail for the caller to help identify their conditions symptoms and to manage them at the earliest level and most appropriate way.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain – Why It Happens
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain Ear infections, mainly in the middle and/or inner ear can also cause head pain due to:
- Inflammation in the ear, which is irritating nerves
- Blocked sinus drainage or disfunction of the eustachian tube
- Referred pain from the ear to the temples, jaw, or back of the head
- Pressure from fluid generalizing in nearby tissues
- Fever or infection is associated with the above
For this reason; many people think ear-related headaches are tension or sinus headaches.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain – Types of Head Pain Linked to Ear Infections
The headache pain from ear infections can vary in its site and severity:
- Throbbing temples – usually from acute infections.
- Pressure behind the eyes or headache through the forehead – related to sinus pressure or inner ear pressure.
- Dull aching around the jaw or neck area – related to the nerve pathways.
- Unilateral headache – usually on the side of the infected ear.
If the ear infection is not treated this pain may worsen or become a chronic problem.
Home Remedies for Pain Relief
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain If the head pain is coming from an ear infection, treating the infection will likely provide some relief. You may want to try:
- A warm compress- putting over the ear and surrounding area for some inflammation relief.
- Steam inhalation- this will help to open your sinuses and draining the minerals away.
- Over the counter pain relief- like paracetamol or ibuprofen (check with your doctor first)
- Ear drops – if prescribed to reduce infection so there is less chance of pressure build up.
Be considerate in self-treatment if it is extremely painful, or not settling down.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain – When to call your health care provider
If your ear infection is accompanied by any headache that continues, you may need evaluation – especially if you experience:
- Rectal fever or chills
- Ear drainage
- Dizziness or feelings of imbalance
- Nausea or changes in your vision
- Global pain that worsens or spreads
These may suggest a serious infection, or a complications condition like mastoiditis or sinusitis.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Head Pain – Conclusion
Head pain can be caused by ear infection, especially when the inflammation and pressure extend beyond the ear canal. Identifying the early stages of the symptoms and using home treatments now will relieve the pain, but if the symptoms remain and are worse you will want to have it checked out promptly by a healthcare provider. You will heal quicker and are less likely to have related complications by treating the cause of the infection.
