Differential Diagnosis for Right Ear Pain Radiating Down the Neck
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Otalgia due to Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): This is a common condition that can cause ear pain, often accompanied by fever, hearing loss, and sometimes radiating pain down the neck due to referred pain from the nerves involved.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain in the ear and jaw area, which may radiate down the neck. This pain is often exacerbated by jaw movement.
- Cervical Spondylosis or Cervical Strain: Neck pain from cervical spondylosis or strain can sometimes be referred to the ear, especially if the nerves in the neck are irritated.
- Dental Problems: Dental issues such as abscesses or impacted teeth can cause referred pain to the ear and down the neck.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone in the skull, which can be a complication of untreated otitis media. It's a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications like brain abscesses.
- Lymphadenitis or Abscess in the Neck: Infections in the lymph nodes of the neck can cause pain that radiates to the ear and down the neck. These conditions can become serious if not treated properly.
- Cancer (e.g., Nasopharyngeal or Oropharyngeal): Although rare, cancers in the head and neck region can cause ear pain and neck pain. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and area of the jaw, which can sometimes radiate down the neck.
- Eagle Syndrome (Stylohyoid Syndrome): A rare condition where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes pain in the ear and throat, which may radiate to the neck.
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type 2: A condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, leading to facial paralysis and ear pain, which can sometimes be accompanied by neck pain.