Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 11/5/2008

Question
My right ear have been hurting for 3 weeks.  It feels like a lot of pressure is being made on it from inside.  My head is also hurting most of the time.  I had a small lump on the right at the back of my head.  It's been there for more than a month now (actually I think it did go down for a period as I didn't feel it any more but now when the skin is stretched it still feels.  I showed it to 2 GPs and said it was nothing unless it grew, which it didn't.

I also showed my ear to the GP and he said there was nothing irregular.  Can you please advice me what I might have please?  I can't stand the pressure anymore and I am getting a bit worried.  

Thanks a lot.

Answer
Clearly, whatever is causing problems with your ear cannot be seen externally.  Something is going on inside your head, and GPs are not much help there.  You need to be working with a specialist rather than a GP -- either an ENT or a neurologist.  Please make sure to get a referral from your GP, instead of just having him tell you there is nothing irregular.  

You will need to have tests performed, and they can determine which ones. Ask for an MRI of your ear area, that also includes the lump at the back of your head.  Also ask for tests to rule out hydrocephalus, a build up of fluid inside your skull that could be causing the pressure and the headaches.