Differential Diagnosis for Left Ear Pain and Facial Droop
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Bell's Palsy: This condition is characterized by facial weakness or paralysis, often accompanied by ear pain, and is the most common cause of acute facial paralysis. The symptoms presented are classic for Bell's Palsy, making it the single most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Herpes Zoster Oticus): This condition, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to facial paralysis and ear pain, among other symptoms like vesicles in the ear. It's a plausible diagnosis given the symptoms.
- Lyme Disease: In its later stages, Lyme disease can cause neurological symptoms, including facial palsy, which could be accompanied by ear pain due to the infection's spread.
- Otitis Media or Mastoiditis: Infections of the middle ear or mastoid bone can cause ear pain and, if severe, lead to complications involving the facial nerve, resulting in facial droop.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke: Although less common, a stroke can present with sudden onset of facial weakness. It's crucial to rule out a stroke, as timely intervention is critical for outcomes.
- Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: Tumors in this area, such as acoustic neuromas, can compress the facial nerve, leading to facial weakness and may cause ear pain due to compression of adjacent structures.
- Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including facial weakness and pain, especially if there's involvement of the brainstem.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can affect any part of the body, including the nervous system, leading to facial paralysis among other symptoms.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid-onset muscle weakness, which may include facial weakness, though it typically presents with more widespread symptoms.
- Tuberculosis or other infections affecting the central nervous system: These can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including facial paralysis, though they are less common causes.