Differential Diagnosis for Right Ear Pain and Jaw Swelling

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: The patient's symptoms of right ear pain when pressure is applied, a blocked right ear, and a swollen joint in the jaw are classic signs of a TMJ disorder. This condition often causes pain in the ear, jaw, and face, and can lead to swelling in the affected area.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear): This condition causes inflammation of the outer ear canal, leading to pain, especially when the ear is touched or pulled. The blocked ear sensation could be due to swelling or discharge associated with otitis externa.
  • Otitis Media: An infection of the middle ear can cause a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, along with pain. The jaw swelling could be referred pain from the ear.
  • Dental Problems: Issues like an abscessed tooth or gum infection can radiate pain to the ear and jaw, causing swelling in the jaw area.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Temporal Arteritis: Although less common, temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) can cause jaw claudication and ear pain. Missing this diagnosis could lead to serious complications, including vision loss.
  • Malignancy: Rarely, ear or jaw pain could be a symptom of a malignancy, such as parotid gland cancer or other head and neck cancers. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: This condition, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to ear pain, facial weakness, and sometimes jaw pain. It's less common but should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
  • Eagle Syndrome: This rare condition involves an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, which can cause ear pain, facial pain, and sometimes jaw pain due to the anatomical relationship between these structures.