Differential Diagnosis for Ear Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Otitis Media: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by bacterial or viral infections. The patient's complaint of ear pain that started two weeks ago could be consistent with otitis media, especially if there's a history of recent upper respiratory infection or exposure to someone with a similar illness.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Otitis Externa: Also known as swimmer's ear, this condition involves inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. It can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections and is often associated with water exposure, trauma to the ear canal, or excessive ear cleaning.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition occurs when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat (Eustachian tube) doesn't open and close properly, leading to ear fullness, hearing loss, and pain.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain in the ear, face, and jaw, and are often associated with clicking of the jaw, difficulty chewing, or locking of the jaw.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mastoiditis: This is a serious infection of the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. It can occur as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated otitis media and requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Petrous Apicitis: A rare but serious infection of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, this condition can lead to facial paralysis, ear pain, and vesicles in the ear, and requires antiviral treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause cartilage inflammation, including the cartilage in the ears, leading to ear pain and deformity.
- Cholesteatoma: A type of skin cyst located in the middle ear that can cause ear pain, hearing loss, and other complications if left untreated.
- Ear Cancer: Although rare, cancer of the ear (such as squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear or middle ear tumors) can cause ear pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors or unusual presentations.