Differential Diagnosis for Red Face with Ear Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: This condition often presents with ear pain and can cause referred pain to the face, leading to a red and painful appearance.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Otalgia (earache): Infections or inflammation of the ear can cause pain and may lead to a red face due to radiation of pain or associated conditions like sinusitis.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause facial pain and redness, especially if the maxillary or frontal sinuses are involved, and can refer pain to the ears.
- Dental issues (e.g., abscess, impaction): Severe dental problems can cause radiating pain to the ear and face, leading to redness and discomfort.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Temporal arteritis: Although less common, this condition can cause severe headaches, facial pain, and jaw claudication, and if missed, can lead to blindness or stroke.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A condition characterized by intense pain in the face, which could be mistaken for other causes of facial pain and ear pain.
- Malignancy (e.g., nasopharyngeal carcinoma): Rarely, persistent or severe ear and facial pain can be a symptom of a tumor, which would have significant implications if not diagnosed early.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: A viral infection that can cause facial paralysis, ear pain, and sometimes a rash on the eardrum or in the ear.
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, but can occasionally affect the face.
- Sluder's neuralgia: A rare condition involving the sphenopalatine ganglion, causing facial pain that can be referred to the ear.