What causes symptoms of headaches, vertigo, earaches, and a feeling of ear fullness, also known as otalgia and aural fullness?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 12, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis for Headaches, Vertigo, Ear Aches, and Feeling of Ear Fullness

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis + Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, and it can also cause headaches and ear fullness due to the inner ear's role in balance and equilibrium.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses + Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): Infections in the middle ear can cause earaches, feeling of ear fullness, and vertigo due to the inflammation and fluid buildup affecting the Eustachian tube and middle ear structures. + Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, leading to symptoms of vertigo, ear fullness, and headaches, often accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss. + Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition affects the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, leading to feelings of ear fullness, earaches, and vertigo due to impaired pressure regulation in the ear.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses + Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, ear fullness, and headaches, along with hearing loss and tinnitus. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. + Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially when accompanied by headache and other neurological signs. Prompt recognition is critical for timely intervention. + Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including vertigo, headaches, and ear symptoms, depending on the areas involved.
  • Rare Diagnoses + Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder characterized by the inflammation of the part of the inner ear responsible for balance (labyrinth), leading to severe vertigo, ear pain, and sometimes hearing loss. + Vestibular Migraine: A type of migraine that can cause vertigo, headaches, and sensitivity to light and sound, with the vertigo being the predominant symptom. + Otosclerosis: A condition in which there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss, vertigo, and ear fullness due to the fixation of the stapes bone.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.