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What are the Common Causes of a Headache and Earache?

Jessica F. Black
Jessica F. Black

The most common causes of a headache and earache are temporal arteritis, vertigo, and sinus infections. Migraines vary, and some sufferers may experience an earache in addition to his or her other discomforts and should inform his or her physician of any additional symptoms in order to receive proper medical treatment. Some flu symptoms include a headache and an earache, which are usually cured with antibiotics or over-the-counter cold medicine. People who experience these symptoms simultaneously should seek medical attention, especially if the problem is recurring.

Temporal arteritis usually causes inflammation of arteries located near the temples of the head. Nutrient and oxygen supplies to the brain are significantly decreased by this condition and can cause painful symptoms or lead to severe health complications. This affliction has many symptoms including headache and earache, but complications can be as severe as blindness or stroke. Treatment usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses. The most vital factor in treatment is early diagnosis because medication can only help cure symptoms, and severe problems be permanent.

Ear wax can cause earache.
Ear wax can cause earache.

Vertigo causes severe dizziness sensations, weakness, and physical imbalance due to a variety of causes. One of the main sources of vertigo may be various types of ear infections that can cause a headache and earache. Ear wax, imbalance disorders, and nasal congestion can also cause bouts of vertigo, and thorough examinations can determine the specific source of the problem. Some symptoms have been linked to alcohol overdose and is treated differently than some of the other causes. Primary treatments usually include treating underlying conditions, antihistamines, and anticholinergic drugs. There are suggested home remedies which may include ginkgo biloba, reduction of stress, and various herbs.

Any signs of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician.
Any signs of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician.

There are a variety of sinus conditions that may lead to headache and earache symptoms caused by air pockets in the components of the nasal cavity. Infection is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria or a virus, which may cause severe discomfort for the patient. Symptoms may continuously get worse if the patient does not seek medical treatment, which may vary depending on the cause of the sinus infection. The most common treatment is medications that relieve the problem such as decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics.

Treatment of temporal arteritis usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses.
Treatment of temporal arteritis usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses.

Causes for a headache and earache may differ between adults and children. Symptoms in children are harder to recognize especially in the case of vertigo, because it is less common. Any sign of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician because some of the complications of the these conditions are considered serious and may damage a child's development.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@MikeMason-- The ears, eyes, nose and throat are all connected. So an infection in any of these can easily cause symptoms in others.

A headache behind the ears is usually caused by a sinus infection or a migraine. Ear infections can definitely cause severe headaches and I don't think that vertigo has to be present for it. Ear infections can also cause eye and jaw pain on the same side of the face.

You should see an ENT specialist to check for infections. It's also possible that you don't have an ear infection anymore, but the previous infection caused a change in your inner ear pressure which is giving you headaches. Even antibiotics can cause ear pressure change and symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headaches.

stoneMason

So do ear infections usually cause a headache? Or does it only cause a headache when there is vertigo?

I had an ear infection recently and now I'm experiencing a constant headache behind my eyes. I don't have vertigo though, so I don't know if the two are related.

discographer

I get migraines every month, around the time of my period. I think it's because of hormonal fluctuations.

The migraines are terrible. It's a constant throbbing pain on one side of my head. The pain usually extends down to my ear and my ear aches along with my head. Sometimes the migraine lasts for two days straight and I just want to sleep in a dark room the entire time.

My doctor just prescribed me a new migraine medication. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that it works.

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    • Ear wax can cause earache.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Ear wax can cause earache.
    • Any signs of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician.
      By: Darren Baker
      Any signs of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician.
    • Treatment of temporal arteritis usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses.
      By: Thirteen Of Clubs
      Treatment of temporal arteritis usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses.
    • People with a persistent sinus headache should see their doctor to rule out any underlying health concerns.
      By: Andy Dean
      People with a persistent sinus headache should see their doctor to rule out any underlying health concerns.
    • Children with headaches and earaches may be suffering from vertigo, which is difficult to diagnose.
      By: Peredniankina
      Children with headaches and earaches may be suffering from vertigo, which is difficult to diagnose.
    • An earache may be the result of an ear infection.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      An earache may be the result of an ear infection.