When I eat and drink alcohol (liquor or beer) at the same time, I get extreme sharp pain in the pressure points behind both ears down to the end of the jaw bone. The pain usually lasts about 15 minutes and then goes away. Sometimes the pain occurs immediately after I take my first sip of alcohol, however some times the pain can occur up to 15 minutes after I have had eating. I have mentioned this problem to my HMO doctor and all he can tell me is don't eat and drink at the same time.
I do have a lot of other symptoms that are probably unrelated but I will list them anyway.
1.I have stiffness on the left side of my neck.
2. Occasional sharp pain on the left side of my head.
The problems listed are actual more of a problem to me then ear pain since technically I can control that pain, but I thought you would have a easier time diagnosing the ear pain.
I am 28 years old and had rhinoplasty surgery when I was 15.
I'm sure you are quite busy so any response would be greatly appreciated.
Reply: --------------------------
In specific response to your question about ear pain, it is possible that you are experiencing a type of spasm in your saliva glands which are located below and in front of the ear (the parotid glands). Another possibility would be a muscle spasm located in one of the muscles of mastication triggered by eating or drinking or triggered by certain characteristics of the ingested substances (ie cold, sour, etc.) Such symptoms although possibly bothersome or a nuisance are not strongly suggestive of a serious health problem.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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