Differential Diagnosis for Right Ear/Jaw Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: The patient's symptoms of ear/jaw pain, especially when laying down, and some improvement with ibuprofen, suggest a musculoskeletal issue such as TMJ disorder. The presence of impacted wisdom teeth could also contribute to TMJ pain.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dental abscess or infection: Given the patient's history of tooth decay and impacted wisdom teeth, a dental abscess or infection could be causing the pain. The improvement with ibuprofen does not rule out this possibility.
- Earwax impaction: Although the patient used a Q-tip without significant discomfort, earwax impaction could still be a cause of ear pain, especially if the Q-tip did not fully remove the wax.
- Sinusitis: Referred pain from sinusitis could cause ear and jaw pain, especially if the patient has a history of sinus infections.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Temporal arteritis: Although rare in a 25-year-old, temporal arteritis can cause jaw pain and should be considered to avoid missing this potentially serious condition.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition can cause severe, sudden pain in the face and jaw, and although rare, it should not be missed due to its significant impact on quality of life.
- Malignancy (e.g., oral cancer, parotid gland tumor): Although unlikely in a young patient, any persistent or unexplained pain should prompt consideration of malignancy to ensure early detection and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome (elongated styloid process): This rare condition can cause ear and jaw pain due to an elongated styloid process.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: This condition can cause severe pain in the throat, ear, and jaw, and is often triggered by swallowing.
- Otosclerosis: A rare condition that affects the middle ear and can cause ear pain and hearing loss.