Differential Diagnosis for Pain on the Left Side of Face along the Zygomatic Arch into the Left Ear
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition is characterized by intense pain along the trigeminal nerve's distribution, which includes the face. The pain can be triggered by light touch and often radiates to areas such as the ear, making it a likely cause for the described symptoms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Pain from TMJ disorders can radiate to the ear and face, including along the zygomatic arch, due to the joint's proximity to these areas and the involvement of the trigeminal nerve in its innervation.
- Dental Issues: Toothaches or dental infections can cause referred pain to the ear and face, especially if the affected tooth is in the upper jaw, due to the shared nerve pathways.
- Ear Infection: Infections of the outer or middle ear can cause pain that radiates to the face, particularly if the infection involves the nerves.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Temporal Arteritis: Although less common, temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) is a serious condition that can cause facial pain, including pain in the jaw and ear, and is a medical emergency due to the risk of blindness if not promptly treated.
- Malignancy: Tumors in the parotid gland, temporal bone, or other nearby structures can cause facial pain that radiates to the ear, making them crucial to rule out.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Occipital Neuralgia: While more commonly associated with pain in the back of the head, in rare cases, the pain from occipital neuralgia can radiate to the face and ear.
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: This is a rare condition characterized by pain in the throat and ear but can occasionally radiate to the face, although it is less likely to be the primary presentation.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Involvement of the trigeminal nerve by herpes zoster can cause severe facial pain, but it typically presents with a rash, which might not be immediately apparent in all cases.