Differential Diagnosis for Bleeding Ear
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Trauma to the ear: This is the most common cause of a bleeding ear, as it can result from a direct blow to the ear, a fall, or insertion of objects into the ear canal, leading to injury of the blood vessels in the ear.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Otitis externa (swimmer's ear): An infection of the outer ear canal, which can cause bleeding due to inflammation and ulceration of the canal skin.
- Eczema or psoriasis of the ear: Skin conditions that can lead to bleeding due to scratching or secondary infection.
- Foreign body in the ear: Presence of an object in the ear canal can cause bleeding, especially if the object is sharp or if there's an attempt to remove it.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Basilar skull fracture: A serious head injury that can cause bleeding from the ear due to fracture of the bones at the base of the skull, potentially leading to complications like meningitis or brain damage.
- Malignancy (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma): Although rare, tumors in the ear can cause bleeding, and early detection is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media) with perforation: A bacterial infection of the middle ear that can lead to eardrum perforation and bleeding, potentially causing serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hemangioma or other vascular malformations: Rare conditions that can cause bleeding due to abnormal blood vessel formation in the ear.
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia): Conditions that affect blood clotting, which can lead to bleeding from various sites, including the ear, often without an apparent trauma.
- Relapsing polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the cartilaginous parts of the ear.