Head Pain: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Head issues

Hello, I have been facing a major exam recently and haven't been able to spend much time seeing a doctor, so I would like to consult with you here.

1.
About six months ago, I started noticing pain in the lower left back of my head (seems to be the occipital muscle area) after taking a nap (around 15 minutes).
Recently, I accidentally felt a small bump in that area (not as hard as a bone), approximately 0.5-1 cm in size when palpated through the scalp.
The pain or a dull sensation seems to radiate from there.
Pressing slightly above that bump is very painful, but when I press that area, the dullness in other areas subsides.
Additionally, when I press and slide over the areas above both ears, it also hurts.
Is this a normal phenomenon, or could it be due to stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep that will improve with rest? Or is it something like what is mentioned online, such as an external occipital protuberance, a tumor, lymph nodes, or inflammation?
2.
About two months ago, the lymph nodes in front of my left ear suddenly became slightly swollen and sometimes painful.
I have seen two different doctors who both said it was a temporomandibular joint issue due to my malocclusion.
However, after taking medication twice, there has been no improvement, and the swollen area is about less than a centimeter deep under the skin.
Do I need treatment for this, or can I just leave it alone?
3.
About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in the left ear auricle, and occasionally in the right ear.
There is a prominent vein (or muscle?) behind my ear that is very painful when pressed.
There is also a small bump below the left ear.
I consulted a doctor who told me not to worry too much, but the pain is affecting my concentration.
Sometimes, I suddenly hear high-frequency sounds, and occasionally I feel a slight ringing in my ears.
What could be the cause of this, and how should I respond?

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/18

Dr. Xu Peiqi reply Family Medicine

Hello Ms.
Chen, your description is very detailed.
However, due to the complex structure of the head and neck, and since your lesions are mostly smaller than one centimeter, I recommend that you seek medical attention in person.
A doctor’s examination will provide a more accurate assessment.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2018/09/18

More Info

Understanding head pain can be a complex issue, as it often stems from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing multiple symptoms that could be linked to different conditions. Let's break down your concerns and explore potential causes and when to seek medical help.

1. Localized Pain and Bump on the Skull: The pain you feel in the left posterior area of your head, particularly around the occipital muscle region, could be related to muscle tension or strain, especially if you have been under stress or have poor posture. The small bump you mentioned could be a benign bony prominence or a swollen lymph node, especially if it is soft and movable. However, if it is painful and persistent, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. Conditions like tension headaches can cause referred pain in the head and neck, and stress can exacerbate these symptoms.
2. Swollen Lymph Nodes: The swelling in the lymph nodes near your left ear could indicate an underlying infection or inflammation, possibly related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw, ears, and surrounding areas, and they can lead to muscle tension that contributes to headaches. If the swelling persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms like fever or significant pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or dental interventions if your bite is contributing to the problem.

3. Ear Pain and Associated Symptoms: The pain in your left ear and the sensation of high-frequency sounds or tinnitus can be linked to several factors, including TMJ dysfunction, ear infections, or even referred pain from neck issues. The "muscle" you feel behind your ear could be a muscle or tendon that is tense due to stress or posture. If the pain is impacting your daily life and concentration, it is essential to address it. You might benefit from seeing an ENT specialist or a neurologist who can evaluate your symptoms more comprehensively.

When to Seek Help
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, worsen, or significantly impact your daily activities, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.
- Severe Pain: If you experience severe or sudden headaches, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, vision changes, or neurological symptoms (like weakness or numbness), seek immediate medical attention.

- Changes in Hearing: If you notice significant changes in your hearing or experience persistent tinnitus, it is advisable to see an ENT specialist.

Additional Considerations
- Stress Management: Given that you mentioned stress and sleep deprivation, consider incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity. These can help alleviate tension and improve overall well-being.

- Posture and Ergonomics: Evaluate your workspace ergonomics, especially if you spend long hours at a computer. Proper posture can significantly reduce neck and head strain.

- Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you maintain good sleep hygiene, as inadequate sleep can exacerbate headaches and overall discomfort.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to stress and tension, others warrant further investigation to rule out more serious conditions. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek medical advice when necessary. A healthcare professional can provide a tailored approach to your symptoms, ensuring you receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Head Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I'm here on behalf of my mother. My mother is in her early fifties, and she has been experiencing headaches recently. The symptoms are described as occasional dull pain in the scalp, which hurts when pressed but does not hurt when not pressed, and it is only o...

Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, regarding the issue of headaches (scalp pain), it is unclear what the underlying cause may be. It is advisable to first consult a family medicine physician for evaluation or visit a neurology clinic. There are many potential causes of headache...

Understanding Head Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in the back of my head, dizziness, nausea, memory issues, and tinnitus recently. I visited a clinic where the doctor examined my ears and blood pressure, both of which were normal. The doctor suggested that it might be a stress-related ...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello, both physiological and psychological factors can contribute to headaches. It is recommended that you relax and maintain a regular routine. If the headache does not improve, it is advisable to consult a neurologist.

Understanding Your Headaches: Causes and When to Seek Help

I apologize for the disturbance. Recently, for the past week or two, I have been experiencing frequent headaches, primarily in the temples, but not on a specific side. Sometimes the pain is on the right side, sometimes on the left, and at times it also occurs at the back of the h...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Dizziness, vertigo, headache, without nausea, resembling a tension-type headache, but also accompanied by dizziness. A consultation with a neurologist is recommended for further evaluation and analysis to determine whether it is peripheral or central vertigo. Relevant tests will ...

Understanding Throbbing Head Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing sharp pain in my head. The pain is located about 10 centimeters above my left eyeball, roughly in the upper left forehead area, and it occurs intermittently. Each episode lasts about 2 to 3 minutes. I'm unsure if this is a...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Your issue may simply be benign migraines, but the possibility of intracranial pathology cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for further evaluation and treatment by a physician. If it is indeed migraines, general medication treatment should suffice ...